LSD
HallucinogensAlso known as: Acid, Tabs, Doses, Trips, Lucy, Blotter
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All content is written, edited, and medically reviewed by licensed professionals with expertise in addiction medicine and behavioral health.
Benjamin Zohar
NCACIP
Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and recovery advocate in long-term recovery, specializing in intervention services and treatment coordination.
Ezra Zohar, M.S.Ed.
Educational Specialist
Educational Specialist with M.S. in Secondary Education, reviewing educational content focused on addiction awareness and recovery.
Brandon McNally
RN
Registered Nurse with specialized training in addiction medicine and behavioral health nursing.
Last Updated
November 2025
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Call Helpline: (914) 594-5851What is LSD?
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a powerful hallucinogen synthesized from lysergic acid. It dramatically alters perception, mood, and thought processes. Effects can be unpredictable and vary greatly between individuals and experiences.
Effects
Visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted perception of time and space, altered sense of self, synesthesia, euphoria or anxiety, rapid emotional shifts, increased heart rate, dilated pupils
Risks & Dangers
Bad trips (terrifying thoughts and feelings), flashbacks (HPPD), impaired judgment leading to dangerous behavior, psychosis, persistent psychosis, persistent perception disorder, severe anxiety, panic attacks
Withdrawal Symptoms
No physical withdrawal symptoms. Some users may experience psychological effects.
Addiction Potential
Low - LSD is not considered physically addictive. Psychological dependence is rare. Tolerance develops rapidly but also diminishes rapidly.
Duration
Effects typically last 8-12 hours
Legal Status
Schedule I controlled substance in the US. Illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute.
Alcohol Interaction Warning
Mixing LSD with alcohol can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Combining substances increases the risk of:
- • Respiratory depression and overdose
- • Unpredictable effects and loss of consciousness
- • Increased toxicity to liver and other organs
- • Impaired judgment leading to risky behaviors
Learn more about alcohol use disorder and polysubstance use.
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Published: July 15, 2024 • Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Medically reviewed drug information for educational purposes
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