Hanging out with friends in the city can feel like a movie. For some, enhancing that sensation takes priority over safety and health and will include illicit drugs in their substance regimen for the night. An increasingly popular choice is known as LSD and is infamous for its mind-altering effects in nightclub settings. The popularity has led to a slew of misinformation about the exact type of drug LSD is. So Banyan Pompano asks the question, Is LSD a stimulant?
Examples of Stimulants
To begin answering if LSD is a stimulant, it is necessary to examine other examples of popular party drugs, some of which are these intense substances.
Some examples include:
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
Caffeine and nicotine are common in the everyday lives of people around the world. A cup of coffee has become synonymous with the beginning of a workday, while cigarettes (and now vapes) are typically used to help unwind when things get tense. Prescribed stimulants are helpful in patients dealing with narcolepsy and ADHD. What stimulants are used for will depend on the person, but their main function is to help the brain and body by speeding up response time and messages between the two.
While it may produce similar effects at times, LSD falls into a separate category of drugs: hallucinogens.
What Is a Hallucinogen?
The name is derived from the word hallucination, which can connect the dots of exactly what these drugs are capable of. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines them as “a diverse group of drugs that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings”.1
Examples of Hallucinogens Include:
- LSD
- Peyote
- Cannabis
LSD is short for lysergic acid diethylamide and is known for its intense mind-altering capabilities.
Effects of LSD
How Does LSD Make You Feel?
The world around a person on LSD will likely appear extremely distorted from reality. Being on LSD can give users feelings of:
- Excitement
- Energy
- Euphoria
- Fear
- Anxiety
Some people elect to take the drug in a party setting to enhance their social experience, while other users will do so in solitude for habitual or spiritual practices. Unfortunately, LSD has effects on both the physical body and the user’s mind.
LSD Physical Effects
- Dilated pupils
- Incessant jaw clenching
- Numbness
- Body tremors
- Visible energy
Psychological Effects of LSD
- Overall detachment from oneself and surroundings
- Hallucinations
- Affected perception of one’s environment and safety
- Personality changes
- Distorted visuals of surrounding objects
Long-Term Effects of LSD
When any kind of dependence is formed around a substance, prolonged use will likely result in effects on the body and mind that will persist even after consumption has stopped.
These can include:
- Fast heartbeat
- Easily agitated
- Irregular blood pressure
- Seizures
- Fever
So is LSD a stimulant? The answer is no. It is a hallucinogen with mind-altering effects that some may confuse it for. While there is certainly more research to be done on the long-lasting effects of LSD, we should still remember to prioritize one’s long-term wellness in both body and mind. Our Pompano Beach drug rehab is equipped with the resources necessary to help you manage a large variety of addictions and dependencies.
If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse, call Banyan at 888-280-4763 for more information on our Pompano rehabilitation center.
Sources:
NIDA - Hallucinogens DrugFacts
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