Nonprofit Launches Today to Integrate Psychedelic Therapy with End-of-Life Care
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A new psychedelic nonprofit organization called End of Life Psychedelic Care (EOLPC) has been launched this week.
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), commonly referred to as “acid,” is a potent psychedelic drug known for its mind-altering effects. Aside from psilocybin, acid is one of the most popular psychedelics out there. When consumed, acid induces a range of sensory, perceptual, and psychological experiences. One crucial aspect to understand is how long does an acid trip last and the duration of each stage of its effects, as it drastically differs from those of other psychedelics like psilocybin.
Acid binds to the 5-HT2A receptor. The conformational change that occurs after binding is what causes acid trips to last so long. Source: Medical News Today
Upon ingestion, LSD is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and binds to serotonin receptors in the brain. The effects typically begin within 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion, although the onset time can vary based on factors such as dose, individual metabolism, and whether it was consumed on an empty or full stomach.
How long does an acid trip last? Well, the duration of an acid trip is a highly individualized experience. On average, the effects of LSD can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours or even slightly longer. However, this timeframe is not fixed and can deviate depending on several factors, including the dose taken, the purity of the substance, the individual's metabolism, and their unique psychological and physiological makeup. On average, expect to dedicate a full day to acid: a couple of hours preparing your space before hand, 12 hours tripping, and the residual effects post-comedown. But primarily, the length of a trip is influenced by molecular biology. Let's discuss these mechanisms briefly.
Acid is a serotonergic psychedelic compound that primarily interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. Among these receptors, the 5-HT2A receptor subtype plays a vital role in mediating the psychedelic effects of LSD. When LSD enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, it binds to and activates the 5-HT2A receptors, triggering a cascade of neural events that lead to the characteristic psychedelic experience.
The duration of an acid trip is influenced by the occupancy and binding affinity of LSD to the 5-HT2A receptors. The term “occupancy” refers to the percentage of receptors that are engaged by the LSD molecule, while “binding affinity” describes the strength of the interaction between LSD and the receptor.
LSD has a high affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor. Once bound, LSD induces a conformational change in the receptor, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways. It is this conformational change that causes acid to last so long. Once acid binds to the receptor, think of like a “lid” getting put on the receptor that prevents acid from leaving, thus once it binds, it remains there. This leads to the downregulation of these receptors, which means there is a decrease in the number of available receptors that can bind to endogenous (native) ligands, such as serotonin. The effects of LSD are related to the time course of concentration in the plasma, according to a comprehensive review of the drug. Sometimes, this “lid” may be loose and allow some acid molecules to unbind as the high wears off, but for all receptors to be “uncapped”, then it can take 12 to 24 hours. While the perceivable effects of the drug stop around the 12 hour mark, the aftereffects, or “afterglow” can be felt well into the next day.
To summarize, as long as LSD is bound to 5-HT2A receptors and they continue to be downregulated, the effects of the drug will continue to persist. The trip ends once LSD unbinds from these receptors and brain cells eventually pull both these receptors and LSD into the cell, where they get degraded or recycled.
How long an acid trip lasts is also influenced by the metabolism and clearance rate of LSD from the body. After ingestion, LSD is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout various tissues, including the brain. The liver metabolizes LSD into inactive compounds, which are then eliminated from the body through urine.
The liver metabolizes LSD into other metabolites. The metabolism of LSD will affect the duration of the trip. Source: ScienceDirect
The rate at which acid is metabolized and cleared can vary between individuals due to genetic and physiological factors. Some individuals may have more efficient metabolic pathways, leading to a shorter trip duration, while others may experience a prolonged duration due to slower metabolism. If a person metabolizes a drug quickly, they may only experience a 6-8 hour trip, while an average metabolism will put duration in the 8-12 hour range. More uncommonly, there may be people who metabolize LSD very slowly, which can cause their trips to extend way past the 12-hour mark.
Each person's body chemistry and sensitivity to LSD can influence how long the effects last.
The duration of an LSD trip is highly variable, with the effects lasting anywhere from 8 to 12 hours on average. However, it's essential to note that LSD's effects can persist for longer periods in some cases, especially with higher doses or in individuals who are particularly sensitive to the drug. Some factors that can affect the duration of an acid trip are:
What to expect during an acid trip? What are the different stages of the trip? Source: KQED
Similar to other psychedelics like shrooms, acid has a come up, a peak, a plateau, and a comedown. It is important to know what to expect in each stage in order to have a good, safe trip. Be aware that higher doses will change these stages, which we will discuss in detail where appropriate.
Navigating an LSD trip can be a transformative and introspective experience when approached with care and preparation. Here are some essential tips to help ensure a positive journey:
In all, the duration of an LSD trip varies depending on several factors, including dosage, individual sensitivity, tolerance, and drug purity. While most LSD experiences last between 8 to 12 hours, it's essential to be prepared for the possibility of longer trips, especially with higher doses. Understanding the stages of an LSD trip and implementing responsible practices can contribute to a safe and meaningful psychedelic experience. Remember to prioritize set and setting, dose responsibly, and seek support when needed to ensure a positive journey into the depths of your consciousness.
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