Lysergic acid diethylamide is a semi-synthetic psychedelic drug of the ergoline family, well known for its psychological effects, which can include altered thinking processes, closed and open eye visuals, synaesthesia, an altered sense of time and spiritual experiences. People use LSD as an entheogen, a recreational drug and as an agent in psychedelic therapy. LSD is not physically addictive as such. LSD usage does not result in withdrawal symptoms. With repeated use, person may develop a psychological dependence from the habitual effects of LSD. With repeated uses, it is possible to develop a short term tolerance to LSD. Frequent users will find that when using again within 72 hours, a higher dose of LSD is necessary to achieve desired results. This higher intake can result in taking double or triple the initial dose. Repeatedly increasing the dose can reinforce a psychological addiction on LSD. Psychological addiction can also occur when LSD users turn to tripping as a means of escaping stressors, emotional pain or low self image. After a while, long term or heavy LSD users no longer can function without frequent use of the drug to induce further escapes from reality. LSD is an incredibly powerful molecule. Measured in millionths of a gram, even an infinitesimal amount of LSD creates significant changes in the chemical make up of the brain. When LSD enters the brain, it creates an instant flood of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure, as well as processing of mood and perception. As reality distorts during an LSD trip, LSD users experience a sense of relaxation and pleasure from artificially-released serotonin. Users may feel depressed after the effects of LSD wear off, as the brain contends with a short term deficiency of the neurotransmitter. Feelings of depression can cause frequent users to re-dose in order to prevent the come down and prolong the seemingly positive effects of the psychedelic. The powerful changes that LSD addiction causes the brain can trigger a host of problems. For those who have latent emotional or mental issues, the intense effects of repeated LSD experiences can turn a latent issue active. Signs of LSD addiction are paranoia, schizophrenia or delusions. Once expressed, these psychological issues can create a break from reality. Even in healthy individuals, the come down phase of an LSD trip can result in depression, anxiety or fear. In fact, after the effects of LSD wear off, users sometimes face flashbacks, even from negative or bad trips. People who frequently use LSD may experience Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptive Disorder resulting in increased flashbacks, panic attacks, phobias and residual and persistent visualizations.

Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides leadership in a national effort to reduce problems related to alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism conducts research in a range of scientific areas, including genetics, neuroscience, epidemiology, and studies the health risks and benefits of alcohol consumption, prevention and treatment. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism coordinates and collaborates with other research institutes and Federal programs on issues related to alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism collaborates with international, national, state and local institutions, organizations, agencies and programs to translate and disseminate research findings to health care providers, researchers, policymakers and the public.

Cosmetic Treatments

Being a grown-up does not have to be as difficult as it used to be. All adults long for the flawless skin they took for granted as a youth. As we age, the elements of our environment including the sun and air pollution affect the skin. The collagen fibers in the skin break down and lose their elasticity. Over time, the skin essentially becomes thin, dry, uneven in color or tone, wrinkled, and more sensitive. Based on years of research in scar formation and the effects of aging on skin, doctors have developed a unique multidisciplinary approach to treat aging skin. Each patient has different skin and a doctor evaluates its thickness, pigmentation, complexion, pore size, degree of sun damage, and hair density, among other variables. Doctors design individualized treatments based on general skin type and the anatomical area of concern. Treatments are best suited for individuals who seek a refreshed complexion without the recovery time associated with more extensive skin-resurfacing procedures.