How Long Does LSD (Acid) Stay in Your System?

LSD is an illicit psychoactive drug. People may experience hallucinogenic effects while taking LSD. People who use LSD may also experience a range of unwanted short and long-term effects.

It can be challenging to stop using LSD after abusing it for a prolonged period. People may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Many require treatment and ongoing support to stop taking LSD and prevent a relapse in the future.

This article will explore how long LSD stays in your system after you stop taking it. You will learn:

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Alamo Behavioral Health offers holistic treatment programs that support whole-person healing in recovery. Contact the intake specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn more about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.

What is LSD?

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a psychedelic drug that produces sensory-altering effects. Some common effects of LSD include:

• Sensory changes
• Mood disturbances
• Dissociation
• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure

People can experience unpleasant or distressing effects when using LSD, including:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Delusions
• Depression
• Persistent psychosis
• Emotional instability
• Paranoa
• Disturbing hallucinations
• Unpleasant tingling, numbness, or burning in different areas of the body

Some people may refer to these unwanted side effects as a “bad trip.” LSD users with a history of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, may be at a higher risk of unwanted or distressing LSD side effects.

In some cases, long-term LSD users develop a condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). The symptoms of this long-term condition include distressing flashbacks and visual symptoms. People with HPPD may require ongoing support to manage these and other disturbing symptoms.

Is LSD Addictive?

Many addiction experts believe it is unlikely that people can develop physical dependence on LSD. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) teaches that people who frequently abuse it may develop symptoms of psychological dependence. These include:

• Having cravings for LSD
• Needing to use high doses of LSD to get the desired effects
• Doing risky things while using LSD
• Spending a lot of time, energy, and resources getting and using LSD
• Falling behind in your responsibilities because of LSD use
• Continuing to use LSD, even when it causes significant harm to your health, work, finances, safety, relationships, or other parts of your life

People who develop psychological dependence on LSD may require professional treatment and support to stop taking it.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

How Long Does LSD Stay in Your System?

Many factors affect how long LSD stays in your system. These factors include:

• Gender
• Age
• General health
• Other symptoms used
• The dose of LSD you used
• How often you used LSD
• Other substances you used at the same time
• Hydration
• Weight and body composition

Generally, the effects of LSD depend on the dose someone takes and the purity of the drug. A typical “trip” may last up to 12 hours. However, drug tests may detect LSD for longer periods.

How Long Will LSD Show Up on a Drug Test

Many factors may affect how long LSD can be detected by a drug test. For example, people who take higher doses of LSD may have longer detection windows than people who use small amounts.. Different types of tests can detect LSD for different lengths of time.

Here is an overview of different forms of testing for LSD and their detection windows.

Urine testing

Urine testing is the most common form of drug testing because it is non-invasive and inexpensive. Typically, this form of testing may detect LSD in urine for up to four days. However, the body metabolizes LSD quickly, and urine testing for this drug is uncommon.

Blood testing

Blood tests may detect LSD for up to 24 hours after a person’s final dose.

Saliva testing

Saliva testing may detect LSD for up to 12 hours after a person’s final dose.

Hair testing

Hair samples may contain small amounts of LSD that are detectable for up to 90 days.

If you are concerned about passing a drug test, it may be a sign that you need professional treatment or support to overcome addiction. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an appointment.

Treating LSD Addiction

If you or someone you love abuses LSD or struggles with HPPD, treatment and support can help you overcome these conditions and move forward. Treatment for LSD addiction may include:

• Assessments and screenings
• Medical and mental health treatment
• Behavioral therapies
• Education about substance abuse, recovery, coping skills, and relapse prevention
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Holistic therapies, such as mindfulness, exercise, creative expression, and nutrition support

Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health treatment specialists to explore your treatment options or to schedule an intake appointment. Recovery is possible when you get the help and support you need. Take the first step of your recovery journey by reaching out to our team today.

References:

1. Science Direct: Understanding the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and the importance of its prevention
2. National Institute of Health: Metabolism of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): an update
3. NIH: The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review
4. Journal of Analytical Toxicology: Detection and Interpretation of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Results by Immunoassay Screening of Urine in Various Testing Groups