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How does LSD change your brain and make you experience strange hallucinations?
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a powerful psychedelic drug that greatly enhances thinking, mood, and sensory perception. The drug, often called "acid" or "Lucy," can induce mystical, spiritual or religious experiences. At higher doses, LSD mainly causes visual and auditory hallucinations. Although LSD is not considered an addictive substance, use of the drug may still cause adverse psychological reactions, such as anxiety, paranoia, and experiences of disorientation.
"The use of LSD may induce persistent visual distortions or so-called "flashbacks," causing individuals to experience similar hallucinations after use."
The effects of LSD typically begin within 30 minutes of oral administration and can last up to 20 hours, with most "journeys" ranging from approximately 8 to 12 hours. This drug is synthesized from lysergic acid and is usually given to the user in a snorted form (such as a piece of paper).
Usage
Entertainment purposes
LSD is often used as a recreational drug, allowing users to experience unusual sensory perceptions and psychological states.
Spiritual purposes
LSD is also considered a spiritual drug that can catalyze intense spiritual experiences. Some users report experiencing separation between body and mind. In 1966, Timothy Leary founded the Alliance for Spiritual Discovery, which regarded LSD as its sacred offering.
Medical research
LSD is not currently approved for medical use, but some studies have shown that a single dose of LSD may be effective in reducing the need to drink alcohol. Preparatory results for depression and anxiety disorders are also quite positive.
Effect
Body effects
LSD can cause physical effects such as pupil dilation, loss of appetite, and excessive sweating. These physical reactions vary, and some may be caused by their mental effects. Common symptoms include increased body temperature, blood sugar and heart rate, and tremors.
Psychological effects
The immediate psychological effects of using LSD are pseudo-visual hallucinations and abnormal thoughts, often referred to as "journeys." These sensory changes are considered pseudohallucinations because the subject does not perceive the patterns they see as being in a three-dimensional space outside of the body.
"Many users report positive journey experiences such as joy, pleasure, spiritual awakening and an increased appreciation of life."
However, negative experiences, commonly known as "bad trips," can cause feelings of fear, irritability, anxiety, and paranoia. A bad trip is unpredictable and factors such as mood, environment, sleep, hydration and social atmosphere are all factors.
Sensory experience
LSD can induce animated sensory experiences, affecting senses, emotions, memory, time and consciousness. These effects last approximately 6 to 20 hours, and duration depends on dose and individual tolerance.
Adverse effects
LSD is considered physiologically safe at standard doses (50–200 μg), with the main risk being psychological effects rather than physical harm. Although it is less risky than alcohol, LSD still needs to be used with caution.
Psychological impact
For people with severe mental health problems, LSD may trigger anxiety or panic attacks. Although depression and substance abuse problems are less likely to occur in psychedelic users, LSD may trigger mental illness in individuals who are susceptible to it.
Drug interactions
Some psychedelics, including LSD, may interact with other drugs, especially when combined with SSRI antidepressants, which may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
"Long-term use of LSD is associated with certain psychological reactions, such as flashbacks and persistent psychological effects."
Summary
The effects of LSD are very different from traditional drug treatments, and although it has clear effects on chemical synthesis and human physiology, many uncertainties remain. This has led scientists to continue to explore its potential medical applications and its impact on social, emotional and sensory shaping of the brain. Are we ready to be inspired and challenged by the potential of these illusions?
