Capable of altering perceptions, triggering sensations and changing moods, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), is the most widely used hallucinogenic in the world. Now, a new study suggests that once taken, LSD moves into brain receptors where it gets trapped for hours. Experts claim that the new research could help develop longer-lasting drugs to treat different types of psychological disorders.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine used sophisticated imaging techniques to understand how LSD interacts with the brain. They discovered that each LSD molecule wedges itself into the serotonin receptor’s binding pocket at an unexpected angle causing a part of the receptor to fold over the LSD like a lid.
According to the study published in the journal Cell on Jan. 26, 2017, serotonin receptors in the brain regions, which are the brain’s key chemical messengers, are responsible for such a heightened state of brain activity leading to hyperactive imagination.
“LSD takes a really long time to get on the receptor, and then once it gets on, it doesn’t get off,” said Bryan L. Roth, one of the study authors. This is the reason why LSD or acid trips can even last for a full day, despite the person ingesting negligible traces of the drug, the researchers said.
With more and more people increasingly micro-dosing on LSD in order to boost their creativity and battle depressive disorders, the study findings may provide answers to scientists about how LSD micro-dosing could work. However, the researchers say that the study is still in a speculative phase and they don’t advocate the use of LSD.
The researchers concluded that the pharmaceutical industry should be aware that even if a tiny aspect of a compound is modified, it may affect the manner in which the entire compound sits in the receptor, thereby affecting its performance.
LSD is a harmful substance
Capable of distorting users’ perception of the outside world, the effects of LSD depend on the amount and frequency of the dose and affect every user in a different way. LSD is a powerful drug, which is classified as a Schedule I hallucinogenic and prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
It is infamous for its bad trips, which leaves some users with a horrible, nerve-wracking experience. The odds of predicting who will experience a good or a bad trip is extremely low. Some of the routinely reported effects of LSD use are:
LSD causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, profuse sweating, uncontrollable shaking and loss of appetite.
Usually users are poorly equipped to calculate the dosage and end up ingesting amounts that cause roller coaster mood swings.
Overdosing causes bad trips where the user battles overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks and bouts of severe confusion for prolonged periods.
Individuals under the influence of LSD are prone to engaging in risky behaviors and taking hasty and insensible decisions, which could result in fatalities.
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is one of the consequences of an LSD trip, where users may experience acute depression, scary images and overwhelming fatigue.
Addiction to LSD is treatable
Sovereign Health understands the plight of someone who is unable to discontinue the use of harmful substances like LSD despite the negative impact on his/her life. Sovereign Health of San Clemente, CA’s customized substance use disorder programs are tailored to individual needs in order to treat the person holistically.
If you or your loved one is battling addiction to LSD or any harmful substance, get in touch with Sovereign Health to gain access to the latest and innovative treatment methods at our state-of-the-art drug addiction treatment centers spread across the U.S. Whether you are looking for drug addiction treatment centers in California or at a place closer home, call at our 24/7 helpline number 866-698-4295 or chat online to know about the most effective drug addiction treatment programs at our reliable drug rehab treatment centers.
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