LSD is a potent hallucinogenic substance that has been used for decades to induce psychedelic experiences. Commonly referred to as “acid,” LSD alters perception, thoughts, and emotions, leading to a unique and often intense psychological journey. One thing that sets LSD apart from other psychedelics, such as psilocybin, is the extended nature of its trip. In this article, we will answer the question, “how long does an acid trip last?”, along with the factors that can influence its length.
Understanding LSD Trips and Effects
Before delving into the duration of an LSD trip, it’s essential to grasp the nature of the experience itself. LSD is known for its profound effects on sensory perception and cognitive processes. Users may experience vivid visual hallucinations, emotional insights, altered sense of time, and enhanced creativity during the trip. The effects can be highly subjective, varying from person to person, making each experience unique.
During an LSD trip, users can expect a myriad of short-term effects that color their reality in unique and often mind-bending ways. Visual distortions are a hallmark of the experience, with colors becoming more vibrant and shapes morphing and flowing. Everyday objects may take on new life as they dance and ripple with energy. Users might also experience sensory enhancements, with sounds becoming richer and more resonant, and tactile sensations taking on an otherworldly quality. Time may appear to stretch or contract, with minutes feeling like hours or hours passing in what seems like seconds. Emotional responses can become heightened, leading to intense feelings of euphoria, empathy, or introspection. On the flip side, some users may encounter challenging emotions, such as anxiety or paranoia, which can be particularly distressing during the peak of the trip.
How Long Does an Acid Trip Last?
An LSD trip is categorized into four different stages: onset, comeup, peak, and comedown. The afterglow stage is not included in this, as it is one categorized once the effects of acid have subsided.
So how long does an acid trip last? Well, each part lasts different amounts of time. The onset of an LSD trip typically begins around 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion and can last around 15-30 minutes before moving on to the next phase, depending on various factors, such as the individual’s metabolism and the presence of other substances in their system. Sometimes, it can take as long as two hours for effects to kick in. Once the effects begin to manifest, users may feel a sense of euphoria and increased sensory awareness. The onset of an LSD trip can make the body feel looser, a sense of clarity wash upon the individual, visual cues such as tracers can begin, among other symptoms. From here, the come up leg of the trip begins and can last anywhere between 45-90 minutes. Users may feel disorientated or confused during this part, as the effects of the drug continue to increase.
The peak of an LSD trip, characterized by the most intense effects, usually occurs between 2 to 5 hours after ingestion. During this phase, users may experience profound visual and auditory hallucinations, profound introspection, and altered thought patterns. The come down leg of the trip then lasts around 3-5 hours after the peak. Sometimes, the effects of LSD can come and go in waves for several hours, as explained by Bill Richards, a psychologist at the John Hopkins University of Medicine with 50 years of experience with psychedelics.
As it can be deduced, the total duration of an LSD trip can vary significantly. How long does an acid trip last? On average, the effects of LSD can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. However, some trips may extend beyond the 12-hour mark. The length of the trip is influenced by several factors, which we will explore in the next section.
Factors Influencing LSD Trip Duration
Dosage:
The amount of LSD consumed plays a crucial role in determining how long an acid trip lasts. Higher doses tend to produce longer-lasting, more intense effects. Beginners should begin with a low dose, perhaps half of a tab, to gauge their body’s reaction to the drug.
Individual Differences:
Each person’s body chemistry is unique, affecting how they metabolize and respond to LSD. Consequently, the trip duration can differ from one individual to another. As mentioned, starting low can help gauge one’s response to the drug. Some individuals are more sensitive to LSD, so lower doses can have effects that are just as potent as a normal dose, so it is important to take some time to get acquainted with how our individual metabolism affects our drug experiences.
Tolerance:
LSD exhibits a pharmacological phenomenon called tachyphylaxis, which is the rapidly diminishing response to successive doses of a drug, thus rendering it less effective with each new dose. Regular use of LSD can lead to tachyphylaxis, wherein the body becomes less responsive to the substance. This can result in shorter trips as higher doses may be required to achieve the desired effects. LSD’s tolerance often takes around two weeks to fully reset.
Set:
An individual’s mindset before taking LSD can significantly influence the trip’s length and intensity. Those experiencing stress, anxiety, or undergoing difficult life experiences before their trip may have a more challenging experience that can be exacerbated by the longevity of the trip. To avoid negative mental effects, it is recommended for a person to take LSD while in a good mindset to prevent any negative experience from occurring.
Setting:
The setting in which LSD is consumed can impact the overall experience. A comfortable and safe environment can contribute to a more positive trip. Taking LSD in public, party, or concert without a proper support group can lead to a negative experience, especially if the person is inexperienced. Being in a place where the person is comfortable, not overwhelmed, and have control over the environment is the best way to experience LSD.
Drug Purity:
The purity and quality of the LSD consumed can affect the potency and duration of the trip. Sometimes, LSD may be adulterated with other substances, such as 25I-NBOMe, that can make the length of a trip unpredictable. Always test your LSD and other psychedelics.
Why Does LSD Last 12+ Hours?
The pharmacology of LSD is the main cause for its duration. How long an acid trip lasts depends on the relationship between LSD and the 5-HT2A receptor. LSD strongly binds to it at a specific angle and stays bound to it for hours. But couldn’t LSD just unbind from the receptor? Not really. A study on the pharmacodynamics of LSD noticed that certain amino acid residues in the structure of the 5-HT2B receptor form a form of “lid” over LSD, which likely hinders its escape from the binding site; a similar phenomenon was observed in the 5-HT2A receptor, too, except it took LSD longer to disassociate from the 2A-subtype than the 2B one.
So in simpler words, the structure of the receptor that LSD binds to prevents it from leaving the receptor because it puts a lid over it. This is why an LSD trip can last 12 or more hours, much more than the duration of other psychedelics like psilocybin, which only lasts up to 6 hours.
Safety Considerations
The factors that affect how long an acid trip lasts is one part of the picture — taking proper safety precautions is the other. When considering embarking on an LSD trip, safety should be a top priority. One of the most critical safety measures is to test the substance to ensure its authenticity and purity. Adulterated or misrepresented LSD can pose significant risks to users. Employing a reliable testing kit can help identify the presence of any harmful substances that may have been mixed with the LSD. Another crucial step is to be mindful of the dosage. Beginners are strongly advised to start with a low dose to gauge their sensitivity and response to the drug. Creating a comfortable and safe environment is essential, as the setting can significantly impact the experience. Having a trusted and experienced trip sitter present can offer reassurance and support throughout the journey. It’s essential to avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as driving or operating machinery, during the trip. Additionally, if a user has a history of mental health issues or is taking medication, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying LSD.
If an LSD trip poses to be too challenging for someone, or the length of the trip feels like it is never ending, it is recommended that they reach out to a psychedelic helpline like Fireside Project. This helpline is manned by trained volunteers that can help deescalate a situation of distress that someone may be going through. If an experience begins to feel too long, many people may want it to end and can become distressed. It is important to remember that the experience will end, and to keep in mind where in the trip someone may be. If they are in the peak, then can expect effects to begin subsiding in a few hours. The assurance that effects will subside and knowing where in the experience a person may be can help assuage the discomfort and distress.
Is LSD Legal?
In most jurisdictions, including all of the United States, LSD is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Possession, distribution, and use of LSD are illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines. It’s important to note that the laws surrounding psychedelic substances can vary from country to country and even between states within a country. Before contemplating the use of LSD, individuals should familiarize themselves with the specific laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. Always prioritize safety and legality when making decisions about drug use.
Conclusion
The duration of the trip can vary from 6 to 12 hours, with some lasting even longer. Understanding the factors that influence the trip’s length can help users approach the experience with greater awareness and preparedness.
It’s crucial to approach LSD with caution and respect due to its potent effects. If someone is considering using LSD or any other psychedelic substance, seeking guidance from experienced users or professional therapists in a controlled and safe environment is highly recommended. Always remember that individual reactions to LSD can differ, and responsible use is essential to ensure a positive and enriching experience.
