Can You Overdose on Acid?
So, can you overdose on acid? Acid overdoses are rare. However, that doesn’t mean taking large or frequent doses of this drug is safe. There are dangers in taking LSD.
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), also known as acid, is an illegal drug that belongs to a class of drugs called hallucinogens. When you take acid, it can cause you to see and hear things that aren’t there. It can also cause strange situations and change your perception of things.
In this article, you’ll learn more about overdose and what can happen if you take large doses of LSD.
What is LSD?
LSD is a synthetic drug that causes hallucinogenic effects. It distorts the senses and alters one’s perception of reality. LSD produces these effects by interacting with the serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that governs mood, senses, and behavior.
The effects of LSD vary from person to person, but can include:
- Hallucinations
- Euphoria or a sense of peacefulness
- Perceptual changes (distorted shapes, colors, etc.)
- Feeling detached from your body
- Anxiety
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
The effects of acid kick in pretty quickly, usually within 90 minutes. They can last for 12 hours or more.
Can You Overdose on Acid?
An average hit of LSD is 100 micrograms. Acid overdoses have been noted at doses from 1,000 to 7,000 micrograms. However, there have been very few documented deaths due to LSD overdose. In most cases, deaths have been linked to other factors.
Signs of a Possible Acid Overdose
An acid overdose is likely to occur at extremely high doses. The signs of an overdose might include:
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Hyperthermia or high body temperature
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
Massive overdoses can lead to brain hemorrhaging and cardiac arrhythmias, both of which are life-threatening. It can also lead to rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that causes the breakdown of muscle tissue.
If you experience the above signs or witness them in someone else, it’s time to call for emergency help.
Have People Died From Using LSD?
Overall, deaths due to LSD are rare. But, there have been a few deaths attributed to LSD. In 2015, a Bangor University student’s death was caused by LSD toxicity, according to the medical examiner. In another case, a man in Bangladesh died from a cut-throat self-inflicted wound during a bad LSD trip. However, this was the first case of its kind in Bangladesh.
What Are The Dangers of an Acid Overdose?
Even though LSD may not be commonly associated with overdose, there are many dangers associated with acid addiction.
A Bad Trip
One of the biggest dangers of LSD misuse has to do with its unpredictability. Sometimes, LSD use leads to euphoria. But, other times, it leads to a “bad trip.” A “bad trip” can cause bizarre or unusual behavior, panic attacks, self-harm, and even suicidal behaviors. Other common effects of a “bad trip” include:
- Paranoia
- Frightening hallucinations
- Fear or extreme anxiety
- Terrifying or unusual thoughts
What’s the Difference Between an Acid Overdose and a Bad Trip?
A “bad trip” has to do with the effects of the drug. It can occur at any dose and doesn’t mean that you are experiencing an overdose.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a life-threatening reaction that occurs when a drug causes the brain’s level of serotonin to increase. Serotonin syndrome can occur with LSD use. SS most often occurs when a person uses LSD and also takes another drug that raises serotonin, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly prescribed antidepressants.
Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)
Also known as flashbacks, HPPD is a rare condition that occurs weeks, months, or sometimes even years after LSD use. People with HPPD re-experience the effects of the drug. These effects may include visual hallucinations and other visual disturbances. HPPD symptoms can cause distress and anxiety. HPPD can occur with any hallucinogen but is most commonly associated with acid use.
Tolerance
LSD is not physically addictive. However, it does produce tolerance, meaning a person who uses repeatedly needs greater doses of the drug to achieve the same high. Even though the risk of overdose is low, taking greater amounts of the drug does increase the risk of overdose.
The LSD Comedown
LSD produces a hangover-like experience that can last for 24 hours or more after use. If you take a lot of acid, this period can last even longer. If you experience a “bad trip,” symptoms can include anxiety, nausea, and agitation.
Although the comedown isn’t necessarily dangerous, it is unpleasant and can lead to feelings of depression, especially if it lasts a long time.
What About Microdosing?
A recent trend that has gained a lot of attention in the media is microdosing. With microdosing, a person takes a very small dose of LSD or another hallucinogen. The purpose is to feel better and treat issues like depression and anxiety.
LSD is classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S., meaning it has no acceptable medical use. That means that microdosing LSD is illegal and not an FDA approved treatment for mental health conditions.
Also, there isn’t enough scientific research to prove that microdosing is beneficial or safe. Most of the evidence is anecdotal. One of the biggest problems with microdosing is that you don’t know the actual dose you are getting. Plus, bad trips can occur even at very low doses.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
Treatment for LSD Misuse
If you are concerned about your use of LSD, you have several options for treatment.
- Inpatient treatment – Inpatient or residential treatment may be helpful for some people who abuse LSD.
- Outpatient treatment – There are several different types of outpatient treatment for LSD misuse, including intensive outpatient treatment (IOP). Outpatient treatment allows a person the freedom to continue attending work or school while also engaging in treatment.
- Dual diagnosis treatment – LSD misuse can cause mental health symptoms like anxiety and psychosis. If you have mental health symptoms related to your acid misuse, you should seek a dual-diagnosis treatment program.
- Therapy – Therapies like motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful.
LSD can cause many adverse effects on your well-being. The use of LSD can cause you to engage in harmful behaviors. Long-term continued use can lead you to develop a tolerance, which can increase the risk of overdose. If you are experiencing the negative effects of LSD use, reach out for help. You don’t have to navigate this by yourself. Call Vogue Recovery Centers today. We have treatment centers in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona.
References
- https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/cultureclinic/111085
- https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/woking-teenager-died-after-taking-12917591
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8593880/
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1011615-overview?&icd=login_success_email_match_fpf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1129381/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482377/
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
