What is LSD?
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) or Acid is a potent psychedelic that is made from lysergic acid found in ergot (a fungus that grows on rye and other grains).ALSD was first synthesized in 1938 by a Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, when he accidentally absorbed the substance and discovered its powerful hallucinogenic effects.
After Hoffman’s discovery, he devoted a majority of his research on the therapeutic effects of LSD. The drug was heavily studied from the 1950s to 1970s and used for treatment of variety of disorders such as anxiety, depression, psychosomatic diseases and addiction. The substance eventually made its way into the counterculture of the 60’s and 70’s, where it became highly stigmatized and research for the substance came to a halt.
In recent years, attitudes towards LSD and other psychedelics have shifted heavily and research began to resurface due to the overwhelming evidence of the benefits these compounds can unlock.
The benefits of LSD vary depending on the dosage you consume, with most studies focusing on the advantages of consuming smaller amounts of this psychedelic substance. Below, we’ve outlined the benefits associated with taking LSD.
Pain Control and Neuron Development
Researchers discovered that a single microdose of LSD generated analgesic effects in their subjects for up to, and perhaps more than, five hours.
LSD can also aid in creating and expanding our brain’s 86 billion neurons. LSD drugs increase the level of BDNF in blood plasma in modest doses ranging from 5 to 20 ug. Mood disorders like depression, linked to neuroplasticity issues, might find some of LSD’s antidepressant effects attributed to its impact on neuronal health.
Improves Mental Health
Psychedelic substances, such as LSD, break down the DMN, increasing entropy in the brain and allowing negative neural connections to break down and new positive patterns to develop.
A study of over 1,000 microdosers discovered a reduction in depression, while another big cross-sectional study discovered a reduction in negative mood and destructive attitudes and a surge in open-mindedness and knowledge.
Addiction Treatment
Clinical trials utilizing LSD in psychiatry discovered that LSD is most effective in treating alcoholism. This is also supported by the beneficial experiences of many patients treated for alcoholism under Humphrey Osmond and at the Spring Grove Hospital Centre in the 1950s and 1960s.
Relieve End-of-Life Anxiety and Depression
LSD-assisted psychotherapy helped terminally sick cancer patients reduce their end-of-life anxiety. It also raised their subjective quality of life.
ADHD
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition involving high impulsiveness and the inability to sit still or focus. It usually begins in childhood but can persist into adult life. A 2020 study by researchers in the Netherlands found that three low doses of LSD resulted in improved attention in a majority of the participants.
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex condition characterized by uncontrollable urges and repetitive behaviors that can severely impact the quality of life in sufferers.
How to Use LSD
Start with a lower dose, especially if you haven’t used LSD before.
Different users will have different levels of tolerance, so try not to base how much you take on what the people around you are taking. If you have not used LSD before, consider taking a small amount to start and wait an hour to see how you feel before re-dosing.
Make sure you are in a good mindset before you use.
Many people who use LSD talk about the importance of being in an environment where you feel calm and comfortable and being with people who make you feel safe. If you are dealing with emotional or stressful things in your life, LSD can sometimes make these feelings very strong. Check your mindset before using LSD. If you are not feeling great or are in a negative frame of mind, think about holding off until you are in a better mental place to have the experience.
