A rare case of physical dependence with psychedelic LSD - A case report
Tamonud Modak, Roshan Bhad, Ravindra Rao
Journal of Substance Use March 4, 2019 DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1581286 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A person who used LSD continuously for two years as his primary drug |
| Intervention | LSD |
| Duration | Two years of continuous use |
| Topics | Addiction LSD |
| Keywords | Physical dependence Craving Discontinuation Counterculture Psychological dependence Drug Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key findings | This is the first report of physical dependence to LSD, with tolerance that did not disappear rapidly on discontinuation and both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. |
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semisynthetic compound with strong psychoactive properties. LSD has been used as an adjunct to psychotherapy and treatment for various forms of drug addiction as well as a drug of abuse by the hippie counterculture movement of the 1960s. The literature regarding LSD is limited, and it has hardly been studied after it was banned in the 1970s. LSD is known to cause psychological dependence, but physical dependence on LSD is unknown. Continuous use of LSD is also unknown. We describe a case where the person used LSD continuously for a period of two years as his primary drug. He developed a craving, and tolerance to LSD and contrary to known literature the tolerance did not disappear rapidly on discontinuation. Additionally, he developed both physical and psychological symptoms on discontinuing LSD – a factor responsible for continued use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of physical dependence to LSD.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on LSD for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSD Overdoses: Three Case Reports Three individuals who experienced accidental LSD overdose | 2020 | Case series | n = 3 |
| To treat or not to treat? High-potency benzodiazepine use in a case of comorbid hallucinogen persisting perception disorder and alcohol use disorder. A 37-year-old man with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder and substance use... | 2022 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 2, 2022
- Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews December 16, 2020
- Perceived Risk of Trying Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in the United States from 2015 to 2019: Are Americans Assessing Lysergic Acid Diethylamide's Risk Profile More Favorably? Psychedelic Medicine June 1, 2024
- Evaluating the value and risks of psychedelics for psychiatric medicine: a clinical perspective. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics February 1, 2025
- The potential risks of opening the mind's eye with psychedelic therapies. Cortex October 1, 2025
and 1 more in the library
Cites 15
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action Neuroreport December 1, 1998
- Evidence for 5-HT2 involvement in the mechanism of action of hallucinogenic agents. Life Sciences December 17, 1984
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcoholism: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Journal of Psychopharmacology March 8, 2012
- The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics November 11, 2008
and 10 more in the library