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Acid is a common name for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a hallucinogenic substance that affects a person’s mental state for a given period. And the phrase “acid trip” is often used to describe what a person experiences when under the influence of acid. Most individuals may feel disconnected from their surroundings when under the influence of acid. They may hear sounds and sensations that were not there. The user has no control over how long the effects of this drug last; they might last up to 12 hours.
What is an Acid Trip?
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), commonly known as acid, belongs to the class of drugs known as psychedelics. When someone consumes lysergic acid diethylamide, they may experience substantial alterations in their mental and emotional states and their perception of their surroundings; this is called an “acid trip.”
During an acid trip, which typically lasts 12 hours, the user loses touch with reality and may feel, see, hear, or sense and observe things that are not real. Acid is a drug that is classified as a Schedule I drug. This indicates that it is not presently used in clinical practice and that there is a significant risk of abuse.
What Does an Acid Trip Feel Like?
The symptoms of an acid trip might begin anywhere between 20 and 90 minutes after intake. The trip may take 10 to 12 hours, but the length of the medication’s effect is determined by various variables, including the dosage, the patient, and the medicine’s quality. Acid’s effects vary widely from person to person and even within the same individual. As a result, there is no generally true way to express the sensations one has during an acid trip. However, several investigations have demonstrated that an acid trip may result in any of the following:
Visual Distortions
Some individuals claim to be able to see colors far more vividly than others. Dazzling halo effects or patterns that revolve around them may attract their attention. Massive things can seem much smaller than they are, and vice versa. Even inanimate things might seem to move at times.
Hallucinations
During an acid trip, a person’s senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, or scent may lead them astray and cause them to perceive something that isn’t there. It might be difficult to distinguish between hallucinations and reality at times. These hallucinations might generate relaxing, comfortable sensations but also induce negative feelings.
Mood Swings
A person may feel an intense connection to and affection for other people or things. Conversely, they may become fearful, paranoid, or angry at others. These feelings may shift rapidly, causing intense mood swings.
Physical Changes
During the acid trip, people may have an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and profuse sweating. There is also often a total absence of hunger for the duration of the trip.
The Comedown
The comedown is the period following the wearing off of the initial high. Coming down from an acid trip may have various severe emotional consequences. The individual may likely desire to find another way to recreate their exhilaration and pleasure while high. This may encourage some individuals to seek short-term gratification via gambling, retail therapy, or dining out.
A person experiencing a comedown should attempt to relax and sip caffeine-free drinks. Dehydration may occur due to increased sweat and body warmth caused by an acid trip. As a result, rehydrating after an acid trip is critical.
The Afterglow
Some individuals experience an “afterglow” effect long after the comedown has started. The lack of hallucinations or mood swings does not rule out the possibility of experiencing more enjoyment than is customary for the person.
It’s conceivable that your good mood may endure for many weeks. This has encouraged research on the effectiveness of psychedelics such as LSD as depression therapies. While some individuals may have a positive aftereffect after a good trip, this is not guaranteed for everyone.
First Trip
When people use acid for the first time, they may be oblivious to what to anticipate. Some people may be scared or apprehensive about this, while others may be excited. A user’s innermost feelings are likely to influence their acid trip. Some persons with anxiety or stress difficulties may discover that being on an acid trip worsens their symptoms. Those who can balance excitement and relaxation while on a trip are more likely to enjoy themselves. But it’s hard to predict how things will turn out before they happen.
A Bad Trip
Contrary to a good trip, a bad trip describes when someone consumes acid and has a horrible experience. They may have hallucinations, which heighten their anxiety, panic, suicidal thoughts, or fear of death. A bad trip may cause a person’s vision of the world to become warped, resulting in paranoia and, in extreme cases, violent outbursts.
Those who have seen or experienced the impacts of mental diseases such as schizophrenia or psychosis in their family or themselves should avoid using acid. A bad trip with long-term unpleasant consequences, such as flashbacks, may be more prevalent in those with certain genetic predispositions.
Some trips might start as good trips but quickly devolve into bad ones. That’s why bringing along a reliable friend who won’t ditch you halfway through your acid trip is a good idea.
Risks and Side Effects of Acid Trip
The use of acid may result in arrest, prosecution, and the development of a criminal record since it is a controlled substance. Furthermore, since it is unlawful, the government has no control over its security or strength. It may be hard to determine a person’s dosage with exact confidence.
The user may be unaware that the acid contains additional medications such as opioids or hallucinogens and potentially dangerous impurities. Depending on the strength of the medicine, the patient may get a higher or lower dose than intended.
When under the influence of acid, it is normal for people to shut out the world around them. They might have a drastically warped vision of the world and endanger themselves or others. For example, a person may not see that they are about to cross a busy street or are precariously leaning out of a second-story window.
Even though tolerance to acid may develop, the chemical itself is not physiologically addictive. And with tolerance, the more a person uses, the fewer effects they feel. So, to get the same “high,” a higher dose of the medication may be necessary, which might be harmful.
Also, hallucinogen usage has been linked to a state known as hallucinogen-induced persistent psychosis (HPPD). After using acid, HPPD may cause visual flashbacks, the impression of moving objects, and “halos” of light, all illusions created by the human eye when none exist.
The Way Forward
While a bad trip may be devastating, a good trip can offer you immeasurable joy. However, there is no way of knowing if someone who has already used acid will have a good or bad experience the next time they try it.
Acid does not pose the same risks to the body as other opioids. On the other hand, people who are more prone to mental illness may discover that trip negatively impacts their mental health. If you are struggling to quit acid use, it is best to seek professional help.
At New Hope Healthcare, we understand the possible consequences of an acid trip. Those struggling with acid usage may find solace when effective support is available. Contact us today to learn about how we can help at 865-800-0947
