How Long Does LSD Stay in Your System?

    How long does LSD stay in your system? Learn about that and more, including the effects LSD has on the body, and how to get it out of your system.

    What Is LSD?

    In this article, we will take a look at how long LSD stays in our systems and what factors influence how quickly it is eliminated.

    LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a synthetic chemical substance. LSD appears to be a white, odorless, crystal-like substance in its pure form. LSD, which belongs to the psychedelic group of drugs, is more commonly purchased as a street drug in liquid, tablet, or capsule form. This psychedelic drug is also called acid, tabs, trips, Lucy, and microdots.1

    How Long Does LSD Stay in Your System

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    How Long Do LSD Effects Last?

    LSD effects typically start about thirty to ninety minutes after ingestion. Although the effects are usually strongest about three to five hours later, the effects can last up to twelve hours. The half-life of LSD is approximately two and a half hours. The physical effects of LSD can include dilated pupils, raised body temperature, increased heart rate, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and shaking.2

    Why Do People Use LSD?

    Adults and teens often take LSD to achieve sensory experiences, distort their senses, or experience an alternate reality. For instance, someone under the influence of LSD might feel that they can hear colors or see sounds.

    Is LSD Addictive?

    LSD is not labeled as an addictive drug. However, individuals with a substance use disorder or poly-drug users may develop a hallucinogen  addiction. Although LSD is not addictive in and of itself, people can experience tolerance or require more of the drug to achieve the same effect. Since LSD is not regulated and unpredictable, it can be hazardous for people of all ages.3

    How Long Does LSD Stay in Your System?

    In the case of LSD detection, you may be wondering, how long does LSD stay in your system? Unlike some drugs, LSD, mushrooms, and ecstasy (MDMA) are not detectable during standard drug test.4 The following sections will describe LSD detection time for urine, blood, hair, and saliva testing.

    Urine

    LSD metabolites in urine can be detected approximately one to four days after the last use of the drug.5 Urine tests are some of the most popular tests used by companies to detect drug use.

    Blood

    Depending on the dosage, age, health, weight, and other factors, LSD detection windows involving blood tests can vary. Typically, though, a blood test for LSD can be used up to three hours after the last use of LSD.

    Hair

    An LSD hair test can be used up to ninety days following the date of last use. This calculation is based on the half-life of LSD.

    Saliva

    LSD detection in oral fluid is valid for about one day following the date of last use.6

    Factors That Affect Detection Time of LSD

    When it comes to LSD and drug tests, many factors affect LSD detection time. For instance, a person’s age, health, and frequency of use can all impact when LSD can be detected. The following sections will explore these LSD detection time factors in detail.

    Age

    Since human metabolism usually slows down with age, older individuals may experience a delay of when LSD leaves their system.

    Liver Function

    In addition to age, liver function, kidney failure, and a high urine pH can alter the length of time in which LSD leaves the system.

    Metabolism

    If someone has a slower metabolic rate, LSD can stay in their body for more extended periods of time and impact how long they may feel the drug’s effects.

    Overall Health

    The half-life of LSD, or how long it takes for the body to metabolize the drug, can be impacted by a person’s overall health. If someone is in poor health, their metabolism tends to slow, among other health factors, and it can take longer to get LSD out of their system.

    Frequency of Use

    The detection window for LSD and drug tests ranges from a few hours to a few days. Someone who uses small doses infrequently would usually have the drug detectable in their body for a shorter period of time. A long-term LSD user would likely have the drug in their system for a higher time frame, as their body is used to its effects.

    Presence of Other Drugs in The System

    The time that LSD stays in someone’s body can be impacted by other drugs in their system. Oftentimes, other drugs in the system might cause LSD to linger for longer, whereas others might counteract LSD’s effects and cause it to stay in the body for a shorter amount of time.

    Genetics

    Genetics can also impact the levels of LSD metabolites in urine. Some people have a stronger genetic aversion to drug use and its effects, so LSD might not linger in their system as long as it would for other people.7

    How To Get LSD Out of Your System

    Discontinuing use, exercise, and hydration are critical for flushing LSD out of one’s system more quickly than just letting it pass through normally. We’ll cover these strategies more in the following sections.

    Discontinuing Use

    The most straightforward method for getting LSD out of one’s system is to simply stop using the psychedelic drug. For some people, this may be highly challenging – if so, please consider talking to a doctor or medical specialist.

    Exercise

    As previously discussed, physical activity and metabolism play a significant role in LSD detection times. Try incorporating light to hard exercise into your daily routine in order to help flush LSD out of the body’s system faster. This can include anything from taking a slightly vigorous walk to more intense exercise, like running on a treadmill.

    Hydration

    For overall, everyday health, it’s critical to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. If your body is hydrated, it will be able to flush out toxins or drugs more efficiently than without proper hydration.

    Symptoms of LSD Overdose

    lsd detection

    As is the case with using any drug, it’s crucial to be aware of LSD overdose symptoms. Staying safe with using any substance is imperative. Keep reading to learn what LSD signs and symptoms to watch for.

    Delusions and Hallucinations

    Delusions and paranoia are symptoms associated with LSD drug overdose. If someone is experiencing an overdose, they may also have hallucinations or visual disturbances that go beyond the drug’s general hallucinogenic effects.

    Mood Swings

    Mood swings, confusion, agitation, and drowsiness are also possible symptoms of LSD overdose, especially if the drug has been in someone’s system for a longer period of time.

    Panic and Anxiety

    In some drug overdose cases, the individual may begin to panic, lose consciousness, or become unresponsive. If you or someone you love is experiencing drug overdose symptoms like these that may impact immediate health, it’s essential to contact emergency services immediately.

    An LSD or drug overdose can result in mental health symptoms, including severe anxiety or depression.

    Self-Injury

    Suicidal ideations and thoughts of self-harm are also symptoms of LSD drug overdose.8

    Learn More with Stillwater Behavioral Health

    Although standard LSD use does not usually result in addiction, LSD is often mixed with other highly addictive substances. If you or a loved one struggle with LSD use or use other drugs, it’s never too late to seek help and find healing. At Stillwater Behavioral Health, we are a highly skilled, compassionate team of professionals who are ready to help.

    To alleviate physical discomfort and help individuals safely detox from drugs, Stillwater Behavioral Health offers a state-of-the-art detox program for drugs and alcohol. Many people entering treatment for addiction and substance use disorders also have concurring mental health diagnoses. Stillwater Behavioral Health is a dual diagnosis treatment center located in Southern California that can help.

    The Stillwater Behavioral Health team believes that one must heal the body and mind to escape addiction. When individuals enroll in a program at Stillwater Behavioral Health’s luxury treatment center, they will be welcomed and treated with the utmost respect. Clinicians work alongside their clients to create client-centered treatment plans using various evidence-based therapies.

    Resources

    1. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/lsd/
    2. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=all-about-lsd-1-2604
    3. https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/health/services/promotion/content/lsd-addictive
    4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4920965/
    5. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma12-4668.pdf
    6. https://inoutlabs.com/drug-testing/drug-detection-times/
    7. https://energy.virginia.gov/coal/coal-mine-safety/documents/SubstanceAbuse/DrugFreeWorkplace.pdf
    8. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/drug-overdose