LSD and Alcohol

LSD and alcohol are popular mind-altering substances. LSD is a psychedelic drug that causes hallucinations. Alcohol is one of the most common addictive substances in the world. Each drug can lead to a host of physical and mental health problems.

Using multiple drugs makes the effects of each substance more unpredictable and can possibly result in overdose or death. Mixing LSD with alcohol can be particularly dangerous because acid can cause people to feel sober despite having a high blood alcohol content.

Combining the drugs can also lead to a more distressing comedown after the effects of LSD fade.

Effects of Mixing Alcohol and LSD

People mix drugs for many reasons. They may use one drug to mitigate the effects of another, or they might want to feel enhanced euphoria. Combining drugs is particularly popular at high school or college parties.

Mixing alcohol with other drugs is particularly common. Because alcohol acts as a depressant, people may drink to alleviate the intense euphoria caused by hallucinogens such as LSD. Some LSD users have reported that alcohol helps them avoid a bad trip.

A 2016 report by the U.S. surgeon general stated that mixing LSD and alcohol can decrease the perceived effects of alcohol. When this happens, individuals often become more relaxed, and they may be more likely to drink heavily.

Heavy or binge drinking increases a person’s risk for experiencing an alcohol blackout, unintentional injuries or alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning, or overdose, can result in hypothermia, brain damage or death.

Individuals with alcohol addiction who have used LSD have experienced unconsciousness and self-harm behavior. Mixing alcohol and LSD can also cause people to engage in risky activities, such as driving while intoxicated. Drunk driving can lead to serious injury or death.

How Alcohol Affects an LSD Crash

Alcohol also affects the way people come down from LSD. A drug comedown, or crash, happens when a drug is cleared from the body after heavy use. The crash is characterized by a period of exhaustion because the body is drained of energy.

When people combine alcohol with acid, the crash becomes more distressing. They may experience extreme nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.

People who come down from hallucinogens, such as LSD, can also experience irritability or tiredness. An LSD crash typically lasts two to three hours. However, the comedown can linger for up to a day.

What to Do if Someone Overdoses

While individuals who simultaneously use LSD and alcohol may not feel drunk, their blood alcohol content may prove otherwise. The more you drink, the higher your BAC. And no drug can stop your BAC from rising if you continue to drink.

It is possible to overdose on LSD while drinking. Symptoms of an acid overdose include intense anxiety, paranoia and seizures. When people overdose on alcohol, they may vomit, experience seizures or have trouble breathing.

If someone you know is overdosing on alcohol or LSD, call 911 immediately. You can also contact the Poison Help hotline at 800-222-1222 for medical guidance.

If you are struggling with LSD abuse or alcohol addiction, consider seeking treatment. Rehab centers offer evidence-based behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to assist you in overcoming substance abuse problems.