Unlike substances such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, LSD does not typically cause classic physical withdrawal symptoms. You won’t usually see shakes, sweats, or dangerous medical complications when someone stops using LSD.
However, LSD can profoundly impact the brain and perception, especially with frequent or high-dose use, and discontinuing it can lead to psychological aftereffects that some people experience as “withdrawal.”
What Is LSD?
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a powerful hallucinogenic drug known for impacting perception, mood, and consciousness. It was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann from the ergot fungus, which he later discovered had psychedelic effects.
During the 1950s and 1960s, LSD was studied for potential therapeutic uses in psychiatry, including treatment for depression, alcoholism, and anxiety. However, its widespread recreational use during the 1960s counterculture movement led to growing concerns about safety, unpredictable psychological reactions, and misuse [1].
Today, LSD is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Possession, distribution, or manufacture is illegal under federal law.
How Does LSD Affect The Brain?
LSD primarily affects the brain by altering signaling in the serotonin system, particularly by activating the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors found throughout the cortex. These receptors play a major role in perception, mood, and cognition, so overstimulating them disrupts how brain regions normally communicate [2].
Under LSD, brain networks that usually operate separately, such as those involved in vision, emotion, and memory, begin to interact. At the same time, the drug reduces the stability of the brain’s default mode network, a system linked to self-identity and introspection, which can lead to feelings of ego dissolution or a blurred sense of self [3].
These effects are temporary, as LSD does not cause direct neurotoxicity, but the intense changes in perception and cognition can leave lasting psychological effects. This is why experiences on LSD can sometimes lead to long-term shifts in beliefs, mood, or behavior.
Is LSD Actually Addictive?
LSD is not considered addictive in the traditional sense. It does not create chemical dependence, and people do not experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.
Unlike substances such as opioids, alcohol, or nicotine, LSD does not activate the brain’s reward system in a way that compels repeated use. In fact, its effects often diminish rapidly with repeated doses due to tolerance, which makes frequent use less appealing and less effective.
However, while LSD is not chemically addictive, it can still be misused. Some individuals may develop a psychological desire to use it again, especially if they associate the experience with insight, escape, or emotional relief.
What Is LSD Withdrawal?
What some call LSD withdrawal is less about the body demanding the drug and more about the brain readjusting to life without it.
LSD “withdrawal” is primarily psychological, and recognizing it early can help users seek coping strategies or professional support to manage these aftereffects safely.
These effects are mostly mental and emotional rather than physical. Individuals may notice [4]:
- Mood changes: Anxiety, irritability, or depressive feelings can arise as the brain readjusts to normal neurotransmitter function.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, vivid dreams, or difficulty staying asleep are common.
- Cognitive effects: Trouble concentrating, memory lapses, or feeling “foggy” can occur.
- Cravings or psychological urges: While LSD is not considered physically addictive, some users may crave the intense experiences or euphoria LSD can cause.
Some users also report hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where they experience visual changes in perception or flashbacks long after the drug’s initial effects have worn off. These symptoms are not necessarily withdrawal, but can be distressing, persistent, and contribute to continued use.
LSD Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline of LSD aftereffects can vary based on individual sensitivity, dose, and frequency of use. Below is a general outline of what the timeline might look like:
- During the LSD trip (6 to 12 hours): Intense altered perception of time, sensory distortion, hallucinations, mood swings, and changes in thought patterns.
- Immediate After Effects (0 to 24 hours post-trip): As the drug wears off, users might feel drained, heavy fatigue, and emotionally flat or numb.
- Short-term After Effects (1 to 3 days post use): Some individuals experience increased anxiety, depression, and brain fog, while others report spikes in energy, clear thinking, and euphoria.
- Long-term After Effects (1 week and beyond): Most users’ mood stabilizes, and cognitive functions go back to normal, but for some, especially if they struggle with underlying anxiety or depression, they can experience effects that last an extended period of time. In rare cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to manage ongoing psychological symptoms.
Psychedelic Abuse Treatment in Utah
At Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, our compassionate team of clinical psychiatrists and experienced therapists is committed to providing supervised medication management and behavioral interventions to help adults recover from substance use disorders, including club drugs and psychedelics such as LSD, ecstasy, and GHB.
Through a holistic, blended approach, we address each aspect of your health to support long-term recovery and deep, whole-person healing. Contact our admissions team for trusted support today.
Sources
[1] Omidian, A. et al. (2025). Clinical Research on Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in Psychiatry and Neuroscience. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(4), 499.
[2] Olson, E. et al. (2024). The Effects of Psychedelics on Neuronal Physiology. Annual review of physiology, 86, 27–47.
[3] Sarris, J. (2023). Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology, 26(3), 155–188.
[4] Drash, W. et al. What Is LSD? WebMD.