By Matt Underwood LSD shows early promise as a potential anxiety treatment, and the initial findings are quite compelling. The reports suggest that doses of 100 and 200 micrograms, which are essentially full-blown trips and not microdoses, have shown significant improvements in anxiety symptoms. Patients experienced improvements that were notably better than those who received a placebo. The benefits also appear to be lasting, with some individuals experiencing relief for up to three months after just one treatment. This is a really important piece of the puzzle as it shows a potentially long-term positive effect from a single dose, a feature that’s often sought in anxiety treatments.
Interestingly, these studies seem to have been conducted without the additional support of therapy, which is a somewhat unique approach in the field of psychedelic research. This is intriguing because it suggests that LSD, on its own, might have therapeutic effects. Someone who had a personal experience with LSD for anxiety reported that it “helped me” after the death of their wife. Of course, it is really important to emphasize that personal experiences may vary, but this sentiment is in line with the initial positive results that the research is uncovering.
The fact that LSD was previously criminalized is a point of frustration for many. The suppression of research into a potentially effective treatment for anxiety raises questions about why it was sidelined for so long. This raises the question of how many lives could have been positively affected if this had been researched earlier.
For many, the idea of using LSD for anxiety is appealing, and there is a high level of interest in participating in follow-up studies. Many who have experienced anxiety, including those with a history of substance abuse-related anxiety, are looking for a potential solution. People who have tried various other forms of treatment, including medications, are also very interested in alternative approaches. The potential for a more permanent solution is very attractive for those who are dealing with debilitating conditions.
While the potential of LSD for treating anxiety is promising, it’s also essential to acknowledge the potential downsides. For some, the experience can be destabilizing and could lead to negative mental health outcomes. There is also the concern that the positive effects might not be sustainable for everyone, and that the “magic” might wear off over time. However, the overall sentiment leans towards cautious optimism, with many people expressing a willingness to try the treatment if it becomes available.
Some people report the opposite effect, experiencing increased anxiety and mental health issues following a bad trip. This highlights the importance of safety and controlled environments in any future medical application of LSD. It’s also essential to recognize that LSD is not a one-size-fits-all solution and will not be suitable for everyone.
Those who have had positive experiences often report significant improvements in their anxiety levels and even a reduction in reliance on other substances, like cocaine and alcohol. In one account, LSD helped someone go for up to five months without panic attacks or flashbacks. These accounts of success are important because they indicate the potential for LSD to offer substantial relief for those suffering from chronic anxiety.
The potential benefits of LSD are not limited to anxiety relief alone. The positive results reported by some users extend to improving one’s quality of life. Many feel that the treatments could help them become better versions of themselves, feeling less anxiety. Others noted how it helps them to connect more deeply with themselves and their surroundings.
The historical context is also important. Many people recall hearing about the potential of LSD for therapeutic purposes decades ago, and the current re-emergence of this research feels like a long-overdue return to an important area of inquiry. This is the reason that people feel so excited to see studies on the matter in the modern age.
It is also important to consider the role of the environment in which LSD is used. Trust and a safe space are crucial factors for a positive experience. The potential for the experience to be more subtle and manageable than anticipated might also make it more approachable for some.