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Withdrawal symptoms of Hallucinogenic drugs:

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Withdrawal symptoms of Hallucinogenic drugs:

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Here are some of the symptoms that happen when coming off of any kind of hallucinogenic drug.

Panic attacks

Speech problems

Severe mood swings

Seizures and tremors

Elevated blood pressure and heart rate

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What is the best solution for a loved one addicted to Hallucinogens?

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Enable the friend to keep using the drugs

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Do nothing - Watch their brain turn to mush 

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How therapy benefits those that have been addicted to LSD

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How therapy benefits those that have been addicted to LSD

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Research is exploring the use of LSD in developing new ways of thinking and ‘resetting’ the brain’s habitual patterns of thought.

The renewed interest in LSD is building on studies conducted 40 years ago primarily focusing on treating:

depression

post-traumatic stress disorder

drug dependency

reducing anxiety in patients with a life-threatening disease

On a personal level I have taken LSD and it caused me to experience a mental break. Which helped me see my life on a bigger scale rather than what is in front of me. Although I was young when I took LSD it helped me notice myself and what mental issues I have come to surface. I Suffer from post traumatic stress and generalized anxiety. I do not think that LSD treated my issues it just made them more noticable and I am compleatly medicated for overall better mental health.

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As the counter-culture drug of choice, the now infamous experimental use of  LSD  during the 1960s led to a moral panic about its effects on individuals and society. Today, media continue to report LSD as a drug that makes people dangerous, psychotic, and, in some cases, homicidal, further adding to public fears about it.

Studies reporting the possibility of using LSD as a therapeutic treatment for various mental health conditions were published from the 1950s. But following the USA's criminalisation of LSD in 1966, clinical research was stopped and its potential forgotten for decades. ¹

Now, emerging research is starting to change the perception of LSD from a drug that can negatively affect mental health and wellbeing, to one that can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Its benefits are also being studied in relation to helping individuals who are trying to overcome drug dependency. ²

What is LSD?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic chemical derived from a fungus that commonly infects rye. ³ It's considered an  empathogen - a drug that enhances feelings of empathy and connectedness. ⁴

LSD is described as a psychedelic (or mind-manifesting) drug because of how it changes perception, mood and thought. When taken in high doses, it distorts experiences of time and space in addition to producing visual hallucinations. ⁵

The recreational use of LSD can result in an individual having an extremely negative experience or 'bad trip' and these can be very frightening.

But research into the use of LSD in a safe, therapeutic setting, with a controlled dose can positively change people's perspective and ease fears and anxieties.

LSD as a treatment

Psychedelic drugs can affect the function and structure of the brain and promote neuron growth. ⁶ Exactly how LSD affects the brain is complicated, but it seems to interact with multiple receptors and chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. ⁷

Research is exploring the use of LSD in developing new ways of thinking and 'resetting' the brain's habitual patterns of thought.

The renewed interest in LSD is building on studies conducted 40 years ago primarily focusing on treating:

depression

post-traumatic stress disorder

drug dependency

reducing anxiety in patients with a life-threatening disease.⁸

The role of LSD in improving mental health is linked to a weakening or 'dissolution' of the ego, helping individuals see the 'bigger picture' beyond their personal problems. ⁹

For therapeutic treatment, LSD is administered under supervision in a safe environment, such as a psychologist's office.

The psychologist or medical professional provides guidance and reassurance as the patient experiences the effects of the drug. Although the patient's consciousness is dramatically altered, they still have a clear memory of their experience.  ¹⁰

While LSD doesn't seem to pose a risk for dependency, and no overdose deaths have been reported, some people do experience anxiety and confusion. There have also been rare cases of self-harm outside of a therapeutic context. ¹¹

People can have powerfully confronting experiences under the influence of LSD which is why administering it in a controlled environment where the participant is informed, supported and monitored, is important. ¹²

LSD therapy trials

While there's positive progress in LSD-assisted therapy, research into its potential therapeutic benefits has a long way to go before we can really understand its impact on the brain.

A 2016 study demonstrated that LSD has the potential to change established patterns of thought - and again flagged its potential as a treatment for depression and anxiety. ¹³ Participants without a history of mental illness were given a single dose of LSD, which resulted in feelings of openness, optimism, and mood for around two weeks. ¹⁴

Research on LSD as a therapeutic treatment for alcohol dependency has demonstrated similar results - with individuals experiencing improved levels of optimism and positivity, as well as an increased capacity to face their problems. ¹⁵

One of the more promising trials was with patients facing a life-threating disease. The LSD was found to reduce anxiety associated with the anticipation of death.16 Patients also demonstrated an improved sense of self-assurance, relaxation, and mental strength, with the results lasting around 12 months. ¹⁷

LSD therapy - what are the unknowns?

In contrast with existing therapies for depression and some other mental health conditions, which may take years to create change, the results of LSD-assisted therapy seem to have a positive impact quite quickly.

One question that remains is how often the therapy should be re-visited to maintain an individual's progress.18 The viability of LSD as a treatment for people living with several other mental health conditions remains unknown.

As research continues to explore the full impact and medical potential of this drug, it's clear that LSD offers a fascinating look into the human mind, and reminds us that we need to look beyond the often sensationalist headlines when assessing any drug.

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LSD as a therapeutic treatment - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

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Explore LSD's potential as a therapeutic treatment for anxiety, depression, and drug dependency. Learn about ongoing research surrounding its medical use.

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During a “trip,” users experience a wide variety of effects. These most often include visual and other sensory distortions, changes to thought processes, intense emotions, and, for some people, surprising new insights and life revelations.

Building a tolerance happens quickly! If a specific dose is taken every day for 3 consecutive days, no reaction will occur by the third day. Users who abuse the drug regularly must take progressively higher doses to achieve the same state of intoxication that they have previously experienced.

All of these affects on your health are not good to use long term. For example compared to Marijuana use can be used to help cancer patients with their pain, hair loss etc. Many researchers say that mushrooms or plant based is healing and ok to use long term. Yet that also opens the door to use LSD or harmful chemically created hallucinogen drugs long term. Which is not the case these drugs could help you within the first use if your body reacts that way.