This post explains how LSD affects the brain, and what to know before taking the popular psychedelic for mental health issues.
LSD, also known as Lysergic acid diethylamide, was discovered in 1938 by Albert Hoffmann.
From the 1950s-1970s, LSD was extensively studied for its potential therapeutic properties, evaluating behavioral and personality changes. Especially in regards to depression and anxiety.
As a psychedelic, LSD falls into the same chemical category as psilocybin and DMT (dimethyltryptamine), affecting the serotonin and dopamine receptors.
As a hallucinogen, the effects of LSD cause visual and auditory distortions — known as hallucinations.
It alters perception, making people see, perceive, feel, and hear things in a different way. This is called an LSD trip and it can last for several hours.
LSD affects the brain chemically. This occurs by firing up synapses and targeting neurons and neurotransmitters, which wake up feelings of joy and euphoria.
The answer is no, LSD is not considered to be an addictive drug. There are no known cases of LSD addiction.