LSD (Acid) Detection Time – How Long Does LSD Stay In Your System?

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

February 11, 2019

LSD, commonly referred to as acid, can be detectable in the system for up to 12 hours after the last dose is taken. However, 2-oxo-hydroxy-LSD, which is a metabolite of the drug, can be detected for up to five days.

LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that is illegal and commonly found on the street. This drug is typically taken as a liquid or capsule or can be ingested on the tongue as a dissolvable square.

This recreational drug is commonly used to produce a “trip” or psychedelic experience. While considered one of the least addictive drugs, LSD is still illegal and classified as a Schedule I substance.

Taking acid can result in a “trip” that can continue for six to 12 hours. The drug is typically felt within 20 minutes to two hours after ingesting.

LSD Detection Time – Drug Tests

LSD has a fairly short half-life, which affects how long the drug is detectable in the system. A half-life is how long it takes for half of the drug to leave the system. Other factors, such as age and weight, can also influence how long it takes for LSD to leave the system.

Drug tests, such as urine, blood, and saliva, tests, can all detect the amount and type of drug that a person has used.

The following are the most common tests used to find LSD in the body:

• Blood Tests — Blood tests are one of the most accurate ways to test for the presence of LSD in the body. However, they are also the most invasive, and are not the most common drug test used. Blood tests can detect LSD in the system for up to 12 hours after the last use.
• Urine Tests — LSD has one of the shortest detection times when compared to other drugs, and can only be detected in the urine for up to eight hours after use. However, 2-oxo-hydroxy-LSD, a metabolite of LSD, can be detected in the urine for up to five days after ingesting the drug.
• Hair Tests — Most hair tests can detect a drug in the system for up to 90 days after the last use. However, testing for LSD through a hair test is uncommon.

Factors That Affect How Long LSD Is Detectable In The System

In addition to the type of test, personal factors also affect how long someone will have LSD in his or her system. The following are factors that most commonly influence LSD detection time:

Taken With Food

Taking LSD with food can cause the body to take longer to breakdown and metabolize the drug. If the drug is taken on an empty stomach, individuals may feel the drug faster and rid it from the body more quickly.

Health

A person’s overall health can influence how long drugs are detectable in the system. Someone in poor health typically has unhealthy organs such as the liver, which is responsible for breaking down drugs and dispelling them from the body. Unhealthy liver and other organ function can result in it taking longer for LSD to leave the system.

Weight And Height

Someone’s body composition can also play a role in how long LSD is able to be detected in the system. For example, someone who is short and thin will likely break down LSD at a slower rate than someone who is tall or heavy.

Age

An individual’s age can often influence how long LSD is in the system. Someone who is younger is typically in better health than someone who is older, making it easier for them to break down the drug.

Taking With Other Drugs

Taking LSD with other substances can have an impact on how long the drug is detectable in the body. Some drugs can speed up the elimination process while others can slow it down.

How Long Does It Take For LSD to Affect You?

People taking LSD can typically feel its effects within 20 to 90 minutes of ingesting the drug. LSD tends to peak at around two to four hours, with its effects wearing off after 12 hours. Despite the drug leaving the system, individuals can experience flashbacks for days after taking the drug.

Common side effects felt when taking LSD include:

• sweating
• increased blood pressure
• raised body temperature
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• increased heart rate
• muscular weakness or numbness

Additionally, people taking LSD can also experience rapid and distorted sensory experiences as well as irrational emotional changes. Taking too much of the drug can result in an experience referred to as a “bad trip,” which can cause drastic and irrational feelings of despair.

Taking LSD for an extended period of time can cause a conditioner known as hallucinogen-induced persisting perceptual disorder, or HPPD. While this condition is very rare, it can cause a number of issues including impairment in functioning and constant flashbacks.

Treatment For LSD Addiction

While fairly uncommon, addiction to LSD is possible and can cause difficulties in a person’s life. If someone is worried about how long LSD can be detectable in the system, he or she may be suffering from LSD abuse.

If you or a loved one is seeking help for LSD addiction, you may want to consider a formal treatment program such as an inpatient program. Before this, attending a medically supervised detox program can help to ease withdrawal symptoms and remain safe and comfortable throughout the withdrawal process.

The goal of treatment for an LSD addiction is to help a person start a new, substance-free life in recovery. Most inpatient treatment programs offer individualized treatment plans to meet the needs of each individual. These programs also provide people with the tools needed to stay sober and resist future substance abuse.

To learn more about LSD detection time and addiction treatment options, contact us today.