The psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is one of the most common drugs to be used during parties, group hangouts and raves as a mode of recreation. Famous among the young adults, this colorless and odorless drug is manufactured from lysergic acid found in a fungus ergot that grows on rye and other grains.

Though the effects of LSD largely remain unpredictable, it is popularly considered as an extremely potent hallucinogen. The repercussions of LSD may range from psychological effects, such as rapid changes in emotion and mood, to adverse physical impacts, such as dilated pupil, insomnia, etc. When consumed in large doses, one may also experience delusions and visual hallucinations due to the tendency of LSD to disconnect the consumer from the reality.

Despite the ongoing debate over the medical use of psychedelics, these drugs have been often termed as the greatest threat, particularly in the United States (U.S.). However, various studies have time and again challenged the above conclusion to highlight the medical benefits of LSD to the patients with terminal illness. If not abused, LSD can reportedly treat mental health disorders and addiction.

Terminally ill patients, alcohol addicts witness healing effects

Due to the ban on all psychedelic use in 1970 in the U.S., any kind of research on LSD became almost impossible. In the 21st century, many scientists revived the issue of medical benefits of psychedelics, particularly in relieving anxiety and addiction, following the review of the previous studies.

In one of the studies, cancer patients, who were given a dose of the drug psilocybin, reported a significant reduction in anxiety and depression, even after six months. Taking a cue from the above findings, other researchers tried psychedelic drugs, including LSD, for treating depression, addiction and other mental disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Interestingly, they found incredible, positive results during each trial.

According to another study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 12 terminally ill patients with an elevated level of an end-of-life anxiety displayed remarkable alleviation in their anxiety level post the LSD-assisted therapy. The study highlighted that the psychedelic therapy may have the potential as a medical treatment; therefore, there is a need to learn the ways to integrate psychedelics in our medical systems to create a healthier society.

As such, it is believed that when the psychoactive ingredients of LSD interact with the brain, they have the potential to heal. As a result, LSD-assisted therapy has been commonly observed to instill a cathartic experience, particularly in terminally ill patients by bringing behavioral and attitudinal changes.

Additionally, patients who were administered LSD for treatment also reported reduced levels of alcohol misuse during different trials. There has been interestingly an increased emphasis upon loosening the restrictions on LSD and other psychedelics due to their therapeutic capabilities.

Road to recovery

The above studies have certainly thrown some positive light on the medical benefits of LSD. Further research is being conducted to explore the optimum potential of the drug for medical purposes. As LSD is more commonly used as a recreational drug, many people tend to develop an addiction to it. Therefore, it is essential to spread awareness on the adverse consequences of LSD abuse, as well as curtail any kind of illegal sale and purchase.

If you know someone who has developed an addiction to LSD or any other addictive substance and is looking for addiction treatment centers in Florida, the Florida Drug Addiction Helpline can assist. You can also call us at our 24/7 helpline number 855-982-2401 or chat online with one of our experts for details about the best drug addiction treatment centers in Florida.