Despite being an illegal hallucinogenic drug, LSD and other harmful substances continue to be used in the U.S. and around the world. Illicit drug use in the U.S. has been steadily on the rise in recent years. In 2013, an estimated 24.6 million Americans age 12 or older — 9.4% of the population — used an unlawful drug in the past month. Given increasing addiction numbers, an LSD addiction treatment program will be necessary for many people to achieve a successful, long-term recovery.
Use of illegal substances is highest among people in their late teens and twenties. In 2013, 22.6% of 18- to 20-year-olds reported using an illicit drug in the past month. However, young adults aren’t the only age group found to be ramping up their use of prohibited chemicals. As baby boomers continue to age, they are turning to such substances as an option for pain relief, psychological escape and entertainment.
Even as these numbers grow, a significant “treatment gap” still exists in this country. In 2013, an estimated 22.7 million Americans (8.6%) needed treatment for a problem related to substances — LSD being one of them — but only about 2.5 million people (0.9%) received treatment at a drug rehab or treatment center.
LSD Experimentation by Young Adults Is Especially Troubling
Individuals of all ages use LSD. Data reported in the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicate that more than 20 million U.S. residents age 12 and older have used LSD at least once in their lifetime.
The survey also revealed that many teenagers and young adults are using LSD — 742,000 individuals aged 12 to 17. The number swells to 4.5 million individuals 18 to 25 who have used the drug at least once.
LSD use among high school students is of particular concern. More than eight percent of high school seniors in the U.S. have used the drug at least once in their lifetime, and nearly 4% have used the drug in the past year.
The Effects from LSD Use Vary Widely and May Be Disastrous
While some people have found use of LSD to be beneficial – citing an increase in creativity or insight – the seemingly random and unpredictable effects of this powerful psychedelic drug make its use a highly risky and potentially dangerous proposition.
An LSD “trip” may include:
- Visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations, which may include hearing colors or seeing sounds
- Dramatic emotions or mood swings
- Impaired depth and time awareness
- Distortion of color, size and shape perception
- Changes in sexual behavior
- Flashbacks (resuming past LSD experiences)
- Delusions (beliefs that are not actually true)
- Psychosis, such as schizophrenia or severe depression
- The possibility of causing a harmful or fatal accident
An LSD experience often takes on a life of its own, placing users and their loved ones or other innocent bystanders in harm’s way. When on an “acid trip”, users’ inhibitions are typically lowered. This means that they may display highly abnormal behavior and take very dangerous risks. Naturally, if individuals are hallucinating (seeing things that aren’t really there) or having delusions (losing grasp of what is true), they may react by making some disastrous decisions.
The Downward Spiral of LSD Addiction
Since “tolerance” quickly and easily develops with LSD use, the user needs greater and greater amounts of this chemical in order to attain the desired effect. In addition, psychological addiction to this substance is known to occur in some individuals. Flashbacks — reoccurring trip experiences — are even known to haunt some people years later, despite ending use.
Even one dose taken out of curiosity may lead a person down a disastrous path.With continued use, radical changes in personality, impaired functioning, and a distorted or non-existence of objective reality may become permanent (commonly referred to as “persistent psychosis”).
An LSD Addiction Treatment Program in Augusta, MI is the Answer
If you or a loved one have used LSD and are experiencing undesirable effects — such as psychological disturbances, mixed up sensations or perplexing perceptions — you should seek immediate help. An LSD addiction treatment program can help.
When you call our 24/7 toll-free line at 269.280.4673, a caring, competent staff member will listen to your situation, address your concerns, answer your questions and provide some positive options for your consideration.
Ready to begin your recovery? We are here to help. With more than ten independent studies identifying our approach as highly effective, we are a name you can trust, particularly when at a critical crossroads in your life such as this. Skywood Recovery cares — one person at a time. Call our LSD addiction treatment rehab center today at 269.280.4673.