LSD is a synthetic drug that came to popularity in America in the 1960s. The lab-made substance can make those that ingest it hallucinate wildly, and is known more commonly by the term ‘acid.’
Though not as popular now as it was during The Summer Of Love, LSD abuse is still more commonly associated with young people. It can be somewhat difficult to discern the symptoms of LSD use or abuse. If you are worried that your child or loved one may be abusing the drug, read on.
We’ll walk you through the LSD Symptoms and warning signs that you need to look out for.
Symptoms of Addiction To LSD
LSD is a psychoactive drug and changes the way in which the brain communicates. Ingestion of LSD affects?serotonin systems in the brain?and can alter self-perception as well as the external senses including sight, touch, and sound.?
Because LSD primarily affects the brain, the physical symptoms of abuse can be sometimes harder to note.
Physical changes that result from LSD use are related to brain-led functions. Individuals addicted to LSD may experience increased heart rate and blood pressures while on the drug.
This increase may also cause excessive sweating, raised body temperature, and general restlessness or anxiety. The severity of these symptoms will differ between individuals and even between individual experiences with LSD.
Dry mouth, tingly fingers, and a general loss of appetite are also sometimes symptoms of LSD use and abuse.
Warning Signs A Loved One May Be Abusing LSD
If you’ve noticed a difference in behavior from a loved one, it could be due to an addiction to LSD. Keep an eye out for any of the following signs of LSD abuse.
Is My Child Using LSD?
Due to its mind-altering effects, LSD is especially popular among young people. It remains a frequent staple of music festivals and other such events, just as it was in the 1960s. It’s also frequently taken in party settings.
Some signs of LSD abuse may be more emotional than physical.
Have you noticed your child has had trouble sleeping? Are they experiencing frequent and intense mood swings? This could be a result of LSD abuse. Unfortunately, this could also just be the symptoms of being a teenager. This is where the difficulty of catching LSD use comes into play.
More telling behavioral symptoms would be increased anxiety or paranoia, coupled with random or incoherent comments and speech patterns. Such behavior is extremely exemplary of LSD use. If your child is speaking in such a way, consider looking closer for physical symptoms.
Physical symptoms are those previously mentioned: sweating, high blood pressure, or even dilated eyes.
Is My Parent Using LSD?
Though the use of LSD typically skews younger, there is no reason to believe that older individuals wouldn’t partake in the drug. Many older individuals have used LSD in the past and can be at the risk of a relapse in abuse or addiction.
The warning signs of addiction in a parent would be the same as you would see in a child. Trouble sleeping, mood swings, and paranoid or erratic behavior are all signs.
Addiction to LSD can also result in desperation common among all drug addictions: the desire to get more drugs. If you find a parent frequently meeting up with strange people or selling away items from the home, this may be due to a serious LSD addiction.
A loss of interest in familial or social interactions is another sign of drug abuse common through all types of drugs. Troubles meeting daily responsibilities at work or in the home can be a major red flag.
If such changes in behavior align with the physical symptoms of LSD use, consider starting a dialogue with your parent.
Intervention For LSD Abuse
Approaching a loved one about drug addiction is never easy. They may feel cornered, ashamed, defensive, or angry. Simply stated, addressing an LSD addiction must be done with great care.
It is important to approach a loved one in a manner that will help to convince them to get help. Thus, approaching with anger or in an erratic fashion is not advisable.
Outside of that, use what you know of your loved one to select the best plan of action. What kind of environment are they likely to respond better to? If it seems like they would respond well in a one-on-one situation, schedule a time to sit down with them and discuss their addiction.
In discussing their LSD abuse, approach the topic with genuine concern and love. Do not judge or look down on your loved one, simply share your concerns and your desires for their well being.
If you fear that your loved one would not respond well in a one-on-one setting, consider staging an intervention. Gather friends and family together and have a group discussion about their LSD use. Discuss how it affects each person in the room.
Sometimes, these group discussions can help get through to more hard-headed individuals.
Staging an intervention can be tricky, and you may want to reach out to professional interventionists to help you organize such an event. Proper and respectful communication is your best chance at getting an LSD addict into treatment and recovery.
Looking For LSD Symptoms and Warning Signs
We all have a responsibility to look out and care for those close to us. Do you fear that a loved one may be abusing hallucinogenic drugs? The above LSD symptoms and warning signs will give you a sense of what to look out for.
Need more drug abuse information, tips, or advice? Check out our blog for more information.
