Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a well-known street drug that people misuse for its mind-altering effects. Also known as “acid,” LSD is an illegal and uncontrolled substance, and it is rarely measured properly or distributed without toxic additives.

LSD is a highly unpredictable drug. People who use it never know how their body will react to this drug, and very little research has been done on LSD interactions with other substances. Many people mistakenly believe that LSD is not as dangerous as other drugs. They also tend to mistakenly believe that LSD use will not affect others in their lives.

While older research states that LSD is not physically addictive, newer research indicates that it can cause a strong psychological addiction. LSD can also lead to psychosis and other mental illnesses.

The Effects of LSD Use on the Family

When you abuse drugs like LSD, there are four stages that your entire family may go through:

Awareness The first stage begins when the family becomes aware that their loved one is using an illegal drug. During this stage, the family begins to worry…a lot. They may not understand drug use, or what drugs are being used, and they are not sure that their loved one truly has a problem yet. This stage feels like an unrelenting worry for the person they care about. Children affected by a parent’s addiction may be weepy, clingy, or begin to act out during this stage.

Denial The second stage involves a family in denial. They often defend their loved one. They obsess about their loved one’s behavior, and their worries seem to affect every aspect of life. While the addicted person begins to make more mistakes, miss work, or have blackouts, the family may begin to hide the substance user’s behavior from others. Children related to the addicted person in this phase may learn to keep secrets and may become embarrassed of their parents. Children will continue to exhibit problems such as mood swings and depression.

Enabling During the third stage, family members try to adapt their behavior to the drug user. This is the stage where some family members may become enablers. Family members may make statements like, “Well, if he is going to do it, I’d rather he do it here in the house where it is safe.” During this phase, family members may begin to use drugs to cope as well. Children of drug users may try to be “perfect children” to win their parent’s love, or they may continue acting out. Families are at high risk of suffering from depression and anxiety at this phase.

Rock Bottom The fourth stage may be called “rock bottom.” During this phase, family members feel exhausted, depressed, and anxious most of the time. The family becomes ruled by fear. Perhaps a drug possession arrest has been made, or relationships have begun to suffer. During this time, family members are most likely to seek help. In some cases, this is when divorce or other separation occurs.

If these stages sound familiar, there is hope. The first step to family recovery is to understand the problem. The second step is to seek help.

Help Finding Treatment for LSD Abuse

If you or someone you love struggles with LSD abuse, we can help. Our toll-free helpline is available 24 hours a day and connects you to a recovery specialist who will take the time to assist you with the following:

Finding the best rehab treatment available

Arranging family interventions and family outreach counseling

Assisting with insurance coverage and care

Arranging for every step of the treatment process, from detox to aftercare

Let us help you. Call now.