What Is Tripping on Acid Like: Recognizing the Signs and When to Seek Help

What is tripping on acid like? How long does it last? And how to stop it? We Level Up California gives you all the answers.


LSD, short for Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, is a drug known for causing big changes in how you see, think and feel. You might use it to experience something called a “trip,” which can change how the world around you looks and feels. It’s important to know what tripping on acid is like, which is what We Level Up California is here for. This knowledge can help you stay safe and know when it’s time to get help.

What Is Tripping on Acid Like?

Taking acid leads to changes in your senses, feelings, and thoughts. Here are the LSD effects you might experience:

  • Sensory changes: You might notice colors looking more vivid or see patterns where there are none. Sounds may change, becoming either more quiet or louder, and you might see things that aren’t really there.
  • Emotional changes: Your emotions can become stronger. You could feel extremely happy or very scared and confused. Your mood might switch rapidly.
  • Thinking changes: The way you think can change. Time may feel like it’s moving slowly or quickly. It might be tough to keep your thoughts straight or to focus. You might start thinking deeply or see things from a new perspective while being tripped on acid.
What is tripping on acid like banner

How Long Do You Trip on Acid?

When tripping on acid, you will experience many things. But how long does LSD stay in your system? Usually, between 8 and 12 hours. But it’s not always the same. So, what makes the experience shorter or longer?

To start with, the amount of LSD you take matters. The more LSD you take, the stronger and longer your experience. You will be in a different state and see and feel things in new ways for a longer time.

Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.

Searching for an Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Near You?

Even if you have failed previously and relapsed, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.

FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7

Also, your own body reactions might affect tripping on acid. Each person’s body is different. Some might break down LSD quicker, shortening their experience. Others take longer, extending their trip.

Eating before taking LSD can delay the start of your trip, as well. This is because your body is busy digesting the food, which slows down the LSD’s absorption.

What is tripping on acid like? Your senses, emotions, and thinking change.

The Immediate Aftereffects of Acid

After tripping on acid, you might enter a phase where you are adjusting back to your usual state. Here’s what that might involve:

  • Feeling exhausted: It’s normal to be really tired after tripping on acid. Considering it can keep you engaged for up to 12 hours, it’s quite an intense ordeal. Catching up on some sleep might be necessary.
  • Mood swings: Your emotions might continue to fluctuate post-trip. While some people feel joy and calm from the revelations they encounter, others may feel down or anxious.
  • Concentration difficulties: In the period that comes after tripping on acid, keeping your thoughts straight or staying focused could be a challenge. It usually takes a bit of time to regain your mental edge.
  • Altered perception of reality: A few users mention a lingering sense of disconnection from what’s real. Though this feeling tends to fade, it can feel a bit strange while it lasts.
  • Deep reflections: The trip might prompt profound thinking about your life, identity, or universal questions. Afterward, you might find yourself pondering over these insights and experiences.
A person feeling disconnected from reality as a result of using LSD
When tripped on acid, you might experience mood swings.

Coping with the Aftereffects of Tripping on Acid

Recovering from an LSD experience can be tough. Here are some simple tips to help during this period:

  • Sleep. Your body and brain have worked hard. Rest is crucial. Try to sleep more and relax in the following days.
  • Drink and eat healthily. Water and good food aid recovery. It’s like filling up your car after a long drive.
  • Talk it out. Sharing your experience about tripping on acid can help you heal. Chat with understanding friends or seek a therapist if you’re really struggling.
  • Pause on other substances. Let your body and brain reset naturally. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or other drugs.
  • Get outside. Nature has a calming effect. A simple walk or just sitting outdoors can reconnect you with the world.
  • Write about it. Putting your thoughts and feelings on paper can clarify your mind. It’s useful for reflecting on what you learned or how you felt.
  • Meditate. Techniques like meditation help keep you balanced and peaceful as you get back to normal.
Ryan Zofay forming a circle and hugging friends.

Get Your Life Back

Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care.

Hotline (855) 695-1160

How to Stop Tripping on Acid

Managing a challenging acid trip requires some practical steps for better management. You can move to another room or step outside to offer a fresh perspective and might soothe your mind. Also, you should concentrate on your breathing. Slow, deep breaths can lessen anxiety and give a sense of control. Counting breaths can also distract your thoughts. Holding something tangible can reduce feelings of disconnection as well.

Another thing that can help you is soothing music. Gentle tunes or songs you love can comfort you, potentially altering your emotional state. If possible, surround yourself with friends. Inform your companions if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Their presence can offer a sense of security and comfort.

A person trying to stop tripping on acid
Tripping on acid might become overwhelming.

Something that will really help you while tripping on acid is self-reminders. Assure yourself that this state is temporary and will fade. Understanding that the drug is causing these sensations can bring solace.

However, if the experience of tripping on acid becomes too intense, reaching out for professional help or using dedicated support services for bad trips is a wise choice.

First-class Facilities & Amenities

World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment

Rehab Centers Tour

Renowned California Addiction Center. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.

Addiction Helpline (855) 695-1160

Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:

15+

Years of Unified Experience

100s

5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers

10K

Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network

  • Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
  • Onsite Medical Detox Center
  • Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
  • Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
  • Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events

Is LSD Addictive?

LSD is a strong drug that changes how you see and think about things around you. But is LSD addictive? It doesn’t make your body need it like some other drugs do. This means you won’t feel sick without it like you might with alcohol or cigarettes. But, if you take LSD often, you’ll need more of it to feel its effects. If you stop using it for a few days, you won’t need as much the next time without wanting it badly.

To understand the fact that LSD does not lead to physical dependence, you should know the difference between physical and psychological dependence. Physical dependence means your body gets used to a drug. If you stop, you might feel sick, shake, or sweat. This shows your body misses the drug.

On the other hand, psychological dependence means your mind can rely on a drug to feel better about stress or sadness. With LSD, it’s more about wanting to feel those special experiences again, not because your body needs the drug. This is about liking how the drug makes you feel, not that your body lacks something without it.

A person talking to a therapist about tripping on acid and other problems of using this substance
Seek help to stop the risks of tripping on acid.

Is There a Drug Problem in California?

In California, the drug issue is huge. It affected around 1,204,000 people in 2018–2019 who were struggling with using illicit substances. LSD is one of these drugs that’s really caught on, especially with young people. From a survey from 2017-2019, we know that about 1.2 percent of 11th graders in public schools admitted to using ecstasy more than 4 times (including LSD and other psychedelics).

How Professional Support Will Help You

Even though LSD doesn’t hook you physically like some other drugs, the mental and emotional struggle is serious. At We Level Up, one of the most reliable rehab centers in California, you get to be around professionals who know how to help you through the rough spots. Plus, you meet others who’ve been right where you are. We offer therapy, support, and tools to help you make sense of your experiences, deal with tough emotions, and find new ways to handle life’s ups and downs.

World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.

CALL (855) 695-1160

End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.

Do You Need Medical Detox for LSD?

When talking about the need for medical help to stop using LSD, it’s not as direct as it is for drugs like alcohol or opioids. LSD doesn’t cause a physical need, so stopping its use doesn’t come with the usual physical problems that require our medical detox in California. However, this doesn’t mean that people who have used LSD don’t need help or someone to watch over them. This is especially true if you are dealing with strong mental effects or if you have been using LSD with other drugs.

People during group therapy holding hands and talking about questions like: What is tripping on acid like? What are the dangers?
Group therapy will show you how to stop tripping on acid and quit using the substance.

Therapy Programs

At We Level Up California, we offer you the following therapy programs:

  • Group therapy: In group therapy, you can share your stories and feelings about using LSD with others who are in the same situation. Here, you learn from others and get advice and encouragement that can help you move forward.
  • Family therapy: When you use LSD, it can make things hard for your family. Family therapy works on fixing these problems. It helps everyone in the family to talk better with each other and understand each other better.
  • EMDR therapy (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing): If you start using LSD because of bad experiences, EMDR therapy can help. It deals with the memories of these bad experiences and makes them less painful.
  • CBT therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy): CBT makes you more aware of the thoughts and actions that lead to using LSD. It shows you how to face and change these thoughts and actions. This therapy also teaches you different ways to handle stress, bad feelings, and situations that make you want to use LSD.
  • DBT (dialectical behavior therapy): DBT is really good if you have a hard time controlling your emotions. It teaches you how to handle strong feelings and not act on impulse. DBT also teaches mindfulness, which helps you stay focused on the present and not use LSD to feel different.
  • Recreational therapy: This therapy introduces new hobbies and fun activities. It helps you find happiness and satisfaction without using drugs. Recreational therapy also helps you get better at socializing and making friends, which is very important for staying well in the long run.

We Level Up California Can Help You Live a Healthier Life

What is tripping on acid like? Shortly, it alters your senses, emotions, and thought processes. You might see brighter colors, hear sounds differently, and experience swift changes in mood. Once the primary effects of LSD wear off, you might feel tired, face mood swings, and have trouble concentrating. Furthermore, you might feel disconnected from reality for a while. Remind yourself that the experience is temporary. However, it often gets too tough to handle. In this case, you will need professional help. We Level Up California is here to support you and help you lead a healthy life without relying on drugs. So. don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up California Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy
Hotline (855) 695-1160
Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.

Start a New Life

Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.

  • Personalized Care
  • Caring Accountable Staff
  • World-class Amenities
  • Licensed & Accredited
  • Renowned w/ 100s 5-Star Reviews

We’ll Call You


Sources:

Health Care Almanac Substance Use in California: Prevalence and Treatment.” California Health Care Foundation, 2022, https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SubstanceUseDisorderAlmanac2022.pdf.

Das, Saibal, et al. “Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Drug of “Use”?” Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, vol. 6, no. 3, 23 Mar. 2016, pp. 214–228, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4910402/, https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125316640440. Accessed 16 Nov. 2019.

Search We Level Up for What Is Tripping on Acid Like Topics & Resources