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LSD (also known as acid) stands for d-lysergic acid diethylamide. It’s a powerful hallucinogenic drug that’s made in secret laboratories in the U.S. LSD is odorless and colorless and is produced in several different forms, including:
- Blotter paper
- Tablets
- Saturated sugar cubes
- Liquid
- Dilated pupils
- Higher body temperature
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeplessness
- Dry mouth
- Tremors
If you or someone you care about is struggling with chronic LSD use and tolerance, contact Briarwood Detox Center today for more details about our detox programs. Just call (888) 857-0557 or contact us online.
Related post: Top 7 Most Dangerous Synthetic Drugs
What Is LSD Tolerance?
Unlike other similar drugs, LSD isn’t known to cause addiction. However, research studies have found that it can produce a strong physical dependency, which makes it difficult for people to stop using it.2
Although chronic LSD abuse can cause psychological dependence, users usually also develop a tolerance. Tolerance is a term used to describe the diminishing effects of a drug after continued use. In terms of LSD use, tolerance means a person will need higher doses of LSD to achieve the same effects they used to feel when they first started using it. Once a person’s body is acclimated to the drug, they’ll suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they miss a dose or stop using it regularly.
So you might be wondering, “How does LSD tolerance work?” Well, with some drugs, tolerance occurs slowly and gradually over a long period of time. However, with LSD, tolerance begins to develop immediately after several consecutive uses.
How Long Does It Take to Develop an LSD Tolerance?
LSD tolerance will start to develop immediately after you take a few consecutive doses. Tolerance to LSD usually begins about 24 hours after the first dose and reaches a maximum by about the fourth day. Once you have established an LSD tolerance, it can’t be undone even if the initial dose is quadrupled. The LSD won’t produce the desired effects until you’ve stopped using it for several days. Researchers have found that the effects of LSD can be felt again after not using it for about five days.3
What Are LSD Withdrawal Symptoms?
Unlike many other drugs, LSD doesn’t produce a strong physical addiction or dependence. Instead, research shows consistent LSD use creates a strong psychological reliance on the drug.
LSD withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to predict. However, they are usually psychological instead of physical. For example, common LSD withdrawal symptoms reported by users include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Irritability
If you have mental health issues like depression or anxiety, LSD withdrawal and detox can trigger these issues and make recovery very difficult. In these instances, it may be helpful to receive professional treatment for LSD tolerance.
Additionally, LSD use is sometimes associated with “bad trips,” which are unpleasant or frightening psychedelic experiences that can occur while using LSD. Sometimes, if you have a bad trip, you can also have flashbacks. These flashbacks usually only last for a few minutes but they can be equally as traumatic because you’re forced to relive the bad trip.
When you stop taking LSD, you might have psychological symptoms that make it difficult to continue with your daily routine at work, school, or home. It’s difficult to say exactly how long LSD withdrawal symptoms will last because it depends on your LSD usage habits and whether you had any existing mental health issues before withdrawal began.
What Is the Best Way to Detox With an LSD Tolerance?
If you’ve developed an LSD tolerance, you might be able to detox on your own at home. However, if you experience severe psychological symptoms that make it difficult to continue with your day, you’d likely benefit from professional help.
A licensed medical detox center can provide safe, medical observation while you endure LSD withdrawal symptoms. However, before you begin, treatment professionals will have you complete a comprehensive assessment. The assessment is designed to give the addiction treatment team an accurate depiction of your current physical and mental state so they can better help you.
Once your treatment team determines the best course for your treatment, they’ll provide medical and clinical services to make sure you’re comfortable and safe during LSD withdrawal. Depending on your treatment needs and the circumstances, this might mean they provide a safe, monitored environment where you can rest while you withdraw from LSD. Individual counseling or group counseling may also be a part of your treatment.
Moreover, after you start feeling better and your LSD withdrawal symptoms have subsided, your detox treatment team may also provide recommendations for ongoing addiction treatment. For example, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) might be helpful for you. Or, if you’ve struggled with other substance use disorders in the past and LSD was the most recent, a residential drug rehab program might be a helpful way for you to get away from everyday life and focus on your recovery.
Related post: Is LSD a Stimulant?
Get Help With LSD Tolerance Today
In conclusion, Briarwood Detox Center is located in Houston and Austin, Texas. We provide safe and effective medical detox and medical monitoring for all addictive substances. If you need help with LSD tolerance, our staff is made up of caring professionals who are certified and trained to recognize and treat the symptoms of drug withdrawal. We have immediate openings available today so just call (888) 857-0557 or contact us online to get help to recover from LSD tolerance.
Substance Abuse Trends in Houston, Texas
While these Houston statistics are concerning, there is hope for recovery through proper treatment and continuing care. After completing detox, many people in Houston choose an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to maintain momentum in sobriety. Nova Recovery Center’s intensive outpatient program in Houston provides structured therapy sessions, relapse prevention education, and peer support several times a week—all while you live at home. Participating in an IOP lets you rebuild your daily routine and practice sober living skills with professional guidance, without the need for a full residential stay. It’s a flexible option that keeps you connected with Houston’s recovery community and helps sustain long-term recovery beyond detox.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Q: What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
A: An IOP is a structured treatment program that offers therapy sessions (individual and group) multiple times per week—usually 9–19 hours total—while allowing clients to live at home and continue their daily responsibilities. If you’re in Austin, check out Nova Recovery Center’s IOP Austin rehab for local support.
Q: How long does an IOP last?
A: IOPs typically run between 2–12 weeks, with most programs lasting around 8 weeks. For example, after detox in Houston, Nova Recovery Center’s intensive outpatient program in Houston offers flexible schedules to fit your needs.
Q: Who is a good candidate for IOP?
A: Ideal candidates have completed detox or inpatient care, have a stable home environment, and need structured support while living at home. For San Antonio residents, Nova offers a comprehensive San Antonio drug rehab IOP tailored for this stage of recovery.
Q: What types of therapy are included in an IOP?
A: Most IOPs combine individual counseling, group therapy, life-skills workshops, and sometimes family therapy or specialized tracks such as trauma, relapse prevention, or dual-diagnosis care.
Q: Is IOP covered by insurance?
A: Yes—IOP is often covered by medical or mental health insurance when referred by a clinician following a higher level of care. Nova Recovery Center accepts many major insurance plans at each location (Austin, Houston, San Antonio), and their team can verify coverage for you.
Q: Can I work or go to school during IOP?
A: Absolutely. One of the key benefits of IOP is maintaining daily routines, including work and family, while still receiving significant therapeutic support.
References:
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