Anxiety and LSD

Though many people may not understand I'm hoping that I find some people who can help.  I believe that I have developed a very serious anxiety disorder which now is leading to depression caused by MDMA and LSD.  I think this is mainly caused by LSD but I'm sure the MDMA has tied into it.  I just started taking LSD this past summer and have about 10 times total since. The very first couple times I took it, it was great but my last trip was a text book bad trip. Was at a concert and just wigged out.  I couldn't talk to anyone, i felt everyone was looking at me and was just overall embarrassed.  Now whenever i get into any social situation or gathering that same feeling of panic comes back and i feel like i did that night of LSD, it hards for menti even sit in class and not panic.  It is effecting my life drastically and its causing me to become depressed and just want to sit in my house alone so i won't freak out. I don't know how to tell my parents either, i feel like I will break their hearts.  I just really want my old self back where i was a very happy, outgoing person who loved life. If anyone has any advice of an experience with this i would love to know if this feeling ever goes away. I am definitely done with drugs for a while and even drinking.

[Ann2497]

Most of the people on this board have abused opiates but I hope someone will come along soon that can help you.  Glad to hear you are done with drugs.  It sounds like LSD is not a good drug for you to take.  Good luck to you.

[gnarly_1]

I triped a lot on LSD  when I was a young biker if you over do it you can get the sideeffects of anxzity on the bfight side they will go away at lest they did for me time to stop messing with chemicals it lasted about 3 mo for me went to the doctor ans got xanex for the panic attacksjust lay off the stuff and in a few month you should be fine good luckand God bless     lllll   lGnarly

[donewitis]

Hi and welcome,

It's possible the combination of MDMA and LSD has effected your brain, your receptors..the good news is that the brain can heal.

"Neuroplasticity is real. The brain has a miraculous capacity to repair and restore damaged cells and pathways after trauma (whether its drug induced or physically/emotionally induced). Our thoughts and behaviors create neural pathways. That is why cognitive behavioral therapy is so effective. Learning to  change our thought patterns actually leads to the change in neural pathways...which can ease anxiety and depression. When new thought patterns are developed, those pathways are strengthened. If we continue to live in negativity then we create more depression and anxiety pathways and strengthen those pathways. In other words, you are what you think."
The best thing one can do is to try and stay positive and strengthen the "positive" neural pathways to increase the efficacy of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. This, however, is hard to do, no doubt. It is a setback (but not terminal).would you think about therapy?
All of us who have abused prescriptions or illicit drigs and end up here have to take time to heal. There is a can(at Walmart 15.00 2lbs) of Whey Protein Powder (chocolate, I'm told is best) mix w/ milk. It's filled with Amino Acids (building blocks for the brain) and lots of vitamins. Start there. I'm sure more people will chime in.
The besy thing you can do is stay away from these drugs. let your brain heal.
God Bless you..keep posting

[donewitis]

Regarding xanax or any benzo..well, I would stay away from them like the plague. Talk about messing with your brain..yikes! I am slowly tapering xanax..and though I am not having the more severe side effects of withdrawal...depersonalization, derealization..burning, tinnitis..depression, anxiety..the list goes on. Benzos have their purpose; which is short term..no more than a week..highly addictive. Try Yogi Relaxation Teas instead. Jus' sayin'...

It's that old expression; "if I knew then what I know now..."
I'd never have fiilled a script.

[KNH123]

Thank you all. Your responses are much needed and much appreciated!

[littlebit667]

have you considered a small class of yoga?  My daughter is a teacher and swears that it saved her life by helping her with her anxiety.  She does not take meds and never has and she struggled until yoga.

[justsaynotodrugs]

      I know what you are talking about bad trips are common with acid went cross a bridge one time while high on it seen 12 bridges got to work every thing was side ways that was bad I said no more acid for me if I live through this.  So go to meetings get a sponsor and post when you can.  Good luck.    

[lynnalb15]

I've done LSD 4 times and the last trip was horrible and I never did it since. But I have been diagnosed with A social anxiety disorder. I get really nervous and closterphobic (sp) around big groups. Or even something as simple as running to the store triggers it. It's just something I live with daily. So I kinda know what u mean. It's no fun.

[KNH123]

I'm definitely seeking therapy but the hardest part is how to explain to my friends and family.  My mom keeps asking what's wrong and I don't have the guts to tell her o started experimenting with drugs and it clearly took a turn for the worst.  

[Ann2497]

it is good that you want to get off the drugs.  sounds like you have a very caring mom.

[KNH123]

Lynnalb15, I feel the exact same way. It's unbelieveable that i now get nervous just to purchase items at the store. Did you talk to a doctor? And if so what advise or medication did he prescribe to you? What is your best coping measurement?

[KNH123]

Also were you diagnosed with the social anxiety disorder before or after your bad trip?

[scarytrip]

I am the mother of an addict.  No matter how much it hurts to know the truth, I am glad I know now and can help my kid.  

The "secret" would have grown larger in the dark and sooner or later it would have been revealed.   Eitherway, parents will learn the truth, it's just a matter of time.

When I found out I felt like ripping my heart out.  I blamed myself, I felt guilty for not noticing all the signs ---the cry for help.  How could I have been so blind to my kid's suffering.

My world "through rose colored glasses" fell apart and it brought me to my knees.  It's was a huge wake up call.  

There was drama for about 1 hour and then it was all about "what can we do to help". The family pulled together and we are doing everything to be supportive.

By going to Al Anon meetings, I learned that addiction is a disease, and that I should not blame or be mad at my kid because they have it.  

Al Anon is helping me learn how NOT to get in the way of my kid's recovery.

Give your parents a chance.  Eitherway, find help soon.  

[lynnalb15]

Yes I've talked to my dr but at the time when I found out I was pregnant so couldn't do much. And for me it's not something I can't handle. It's just annoying how nervous I get at a simple store. Only when I'm alone it seems I feel as tho everyone is judging or wanting to hurt me. May sound crazy. But it does get better! You just have to put yourself in those situations and realize no one is out to get you or judging. I'm not sure how sever it is for you but I notice as time goes on it goes away. I still get episodes but not as often. And I was diagnosed after a year from my last trip. I noticed it sooner but just thought it was me being sober. But it's not. Your not alone!! And your not crazy. Talk to your parents. You seem like y want help. And u can get it!

[lynnalb15]

Oh my dr gave me a list of coping/calming techniques I will go find them and send u a few.

[lynnalb15]

Sorry it took me so long I had to put my little one to bed. I couldn't find the papers do I looked it up  and it's somewhat similar to what my dr told me. Here ya go.


Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?

Extreme nervousness and stress sensations
Rapid heartbeat, chest pain/tightness, shortness of breath
Frequent worry and paranoia, lots of "what if" or "worst case scenario" thoughts
Deep thinking or very analytical thoughts about daily matters
Avoidance of places, people or things associated with previous panic attacks
Fear that you're going crazy, or that you're having having a heart attack/stroke
Sleep disturbance and insomnia
Light headedness, low energy / fatigue
A physical exam is always a good idea to confirm that what you're experiencing is not a physical health matter - just to be safe. Once confirmed, you can rest assured that the symptoms you're experiencing will begin to subside as you work through your current emotional issues.


Social anxiety disorder often goes undetected for years before treatment is sought. By that time, you may have developed behaviors that accommodate the fears. These habits or behaviors must be overcome to successfully manage social anxiety disorder.

First, your doctor must determine whether you are generally anxious about all social encounters or whether a specific situation triggers anxiety.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps you identify anxieties and the situations that provoke the anxiety. At first you may feel uncomfortable while addressing the feared situations, but it is an important part of your recovery. Several types of cognitive-behavioral therapy are used to treat social anxiety disorder, including:
Exposure therapy. You will be guided by a professional counselor to imagine you are facing the feared situation until you no longer fear it, such as eating in public. Next, you may go with your counselor to a public place and eat until, eventually, you can eat by yourself in public without fear.
Social skills training. This therapy helps you develop the skills you need in social situations through rehearsing and role-playing. Your anxiety is reduced as you become more comfortable with and prepared for the feared social situations.
Cognitive restructuring. This therapy helps you learn to identify and improve fearful thinking to help you better handle social situations. For more information, see:
Positive thinking: Stopping unwanted thoughts.
Anxiety: Using positive thinking.
Positive Thinking With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
Symptom management skills. This therapy teaches you how to reduce stress by controlling your breathing and other physical responses to anxiety.
Supportive therapy. This can include:
Education about the disorder.
Family therapy, to support loved ones affected by your condition.
Group therapy or support groups, to seek support from others also diagnosed with the disorder.

Here's the meds suggested. But I suggest staying away from benzos. Just another addiction in the making.
Medicines often used for chronic, severe, or generalized social anxiety disorder include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to relieve anxiety. SSRIs are often the first type of medicine used to treat generalized social anxiety disorder.3
Benzodiazepines, to relieve anxiety. They are fast-acting. But they may be habit-forming and are not generally used in those who have substance abuse problems.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), to relieve depression and anxiety. MAOIs have potentially serious side effects when they are taken with certain foods (such as some cheeses and red wine).
Beta-blockers, to reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers are sometimes used to treat physical symptoms of anxiety (such as tremors or rapid heart rate).
Venlafaxine, to help relieve anxiety and depression.





Here's some ways to self help your anxiety.


Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, or deep breathing, is the practice of expanding your diaphragm as you breathe, so that your stomach rises and falls, instead of your chest. During an anxiety attack, you are more likely to take shallow breaths, which contributes to symptoms of anxiety. By practicing how to breathe slowly and deeply while in a relaxed setting, you will be better able to call upon this method of relaxation during times of stress.

Deep breathing also forms the foundation upon which other relaxation techniques are built, so it is an important concept to master.

How to Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Have you ever noticed the feeling you have after a really intense workout? Your muscles have been fatigued to the point that your body is totally relaxed. This is the objective of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). Alternating between tense and relaxed muscles helps to induce full-body relaxation.

How to Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Autogenic Training

Autogenic training is a fancy term to describe a technique similar to meditation, where you repeat a series of statements to yourself about different parts of your body. The repetition of these statements is believed to influence the functioning of your autonomic nervous system, which includes your heart rate.

How to Practice Autogenic Training

Guided Imagery

Have you ever wished you could escape to a tropical island or hole up in a log cabin? If you don't have the time or means to actually live out your fantasy, give guided imagery a try. This technique involves using all of your senses to imagine yourself in a relaxed setting. Your body, in turn, enters a relaxed state. Be careful, though, you may become so relaxed that you fall asleep! It is best not to practice this technique when you have to be somewhere soon. Try it out at night before you plan to fall asleep.


Sorry it's do long. Took pieces from websites. Hope it helps. I know how terrible it can be. Just remember it can be helped! Good luck!

[lynnalb15]

Some of the links for the self help didn't show up so here's the site. They really do work. Medicines aren't always necessary so please try this and maybe therapy first. Don't cover your drug based symptoms with another drug unless it's completely necessary.

http://socialanxietydisorder.about.com/od/copingwithsad/a/relaxation.htm

[KNH123]

That website was very helpful Lynn and thank you for the techniques. I am certain I have developed this anxiety disorder because some things listed I have been experiencing for years now. I'm seeing a therapist tomorrow so I hope it goes well and thank you all so much!

[lynnalb15]

Yay glad I could help a bit. Good for you a therapist will help you so much! Good luck!!!

[snakejones]

Hi there--it seems like your anxiety was there for awhile, and the LSD/MDMA just exacerbated it. The acid could also have been cut with various chemicals that knocked you for a loop. You'll heal, I just know you will. You are doing everything right. If Mama asks and you can't bear to tell her the whole truth, just say that you've been having some symptoms of anxiety and are going to get a little help for it. You can tell her the whole story later if you want to. Please treat your body like a temple--you are beautiful and holy and were made by God (even though the devil gets his licks in with all of us!), so treat yourself with respect and love.
It's funny, I was just reading the bio of John Lennon, where it said that during summer 1967 (the infamous Summer of Love), he did continuous trips every day and night for four months straight---so much that the LSD actually washed out all of his color vision. Just a little bit of trivia about the stupid before us!

[KNH123]

Yeah my anxiety has been there a while.  I saw a therapist and he did diagnose me with a social anxiety disorder but I realized I have been masking my anxiety with other forms of drugs, even if that drug was just alcohol all of my life. He recommended that I be put on some sort of benzo and antidepressant.  I'm kind of nervous because I don't know about combining those two, I'll have to ask my doctor.  But thanks for all of your advice, it helped especially when I was at my lowest more than you guys know.  

[KNH123]

I told my parents everything as well snakejones.  Though obviously they weren't happy to hear it but they kind of knew something was up with me.  They are much smarter and observing than one thinks ha.

[Ann2497]

What did you decide to do about the antidepressant and benzo?

[donewitis]

When I texted about cognitive therapy..I certainly didn't mean psychiatrist..That's all they do anymore...prescribe.  Medications are not always the answer...please research Benzos see; Benzo buddies . org
They are brutal to come off of...
There are avenues to take...

[KNH123]

Donewitis, i'm sorry I confused the two.  I know that I need to get on antidepressants more than anything right now but a benzo could aid as well.  I've decided to try and take a different path in my life as well.  Such as i'm going to try and do yoga, start exercising more again and attending church.  A spiritual relationship is something I have never had and maybe it is something I have been missing and need.  But as for the therapist, do you think I should stop and try and set up an appointment with a cognitive therapist instead? I just want whoever or whatever will help me in my situation

[lynnalb15]

Agree no benzos there's other ways to cope. Good luck. Keep me updated!!!

[gnarly_1]

HI another thing I found was that LSD is often cut with stricknine to give it a bit more puch this stuff will make you crawl out of your skin during the trip and you will have massive anxiety for a few mo after not a good thing but its out there........Gnarly

[donewitis]

"Such as i'm going to try and do yoga, start exercising more again and attending church.  A spiritual relationship is something I have never had and maybe it is something I have been missing and need."

To be completely honest with you..I am beyond grateful for my Faith ...I do not believe I could have done this without God's help.

At this point and time..IMO...and after much research..my own experience..I would try almost anything before messing with my GABA Recepters (my brain) which is what Benzos will do..and again are highly addictive and can be very difficult to stop taking.
Our brains are quite awesome and have the ability to heal with time. Regarding and dealing with anxiety..there are tools that are available...breathing techniques...the power to change our thought processes. It's pretty awesome...I'm learning just how powerful our brains are..our very own computers..
Give your brain time to heal and find more natural ways to cope..we all must do that if we want better lives.
God Bless You

[KNH123]

Well I was prescribed Zoloft and Ativan from my doctor.  I have been taking the  Zoloft since Friday but I've noticed it kind of makes me more anxious and nervous sometimes unless I combine the two.  Is this just the beginning feelings of Zoloft and it will soon start to feel normal after a month or so? Or should I get another antidepressant?  Anyone who has taken Zoloft in the past your advice would be very helpful

[SmokyVisions]

Both LSD and magic mushrooms don't cause any brain damage. In fact, they don't alter the brain at all.

This class of psychedelics amplifies your thoughts and emotions to an intensity that someone who hasn't experienced them yet couldn't possibly imagine. When used right, it can allow you to gain insight into how your mind works and help you fabricate your own joy by thinking positive thoughts.

Your unconscious consists largely of a network of memories and thoughts that you have collected throughout your life. This network defines to a large extent the new thoughts that you form, and the consequent emotions and behavior. LSD and magic mushrooms make you extremely suggestible to new information to be added to that unconscious network. That's why LSD and psylocybin (the active compound of magic mushrooms) therapy is so effective.

It can also go the other way, of course. If you have a bad trip, and if the negative thoughts that caused it aren't resolved before the trip is over, these thoughts remain stored in your unconscious. They become activated from time to time, sometimes very frequently, depending on their subject and intensity.

The trick to solving this is cognitive behavioral therapy. All you have to do is find out which exact thoughts are causing your negative emotions, disprove them, and replace them by new thoughts that cause positive emotions. You do that by disproving the old thoughts and proving the new thoughts over and over again. This process might take several hours, days, weeks, even months. You can actually apply this to any thought that might be causing you trouble, regardless of whether it was caused by psychedelic drugs or not.

Once it's all over, you'll find yourself a happier, healthier, wiser and more disciplined person than before the trip. In the end, psychedelics always change you for the better. Sometimes it just takes some time.

I would advise you not to use psychedelics anymore, at least not until they have been recognized by the scientific community and psychedelic therapy is provided in a safe environment with professional support. You might say that my view of psychedelic drugs isn't scientific... But then again, they used to say the Earth was flat.

The thing is that I suffered from severe anxiety following an LSD trip gone bad, and I completely recovered applying the technique described above. I'm even happier now than I ever was before. Take that into consideration before you criticize my information and method. Because what do you REALLY know about LSD, aside from what so-called doctors who prescribe counterproductive medication to people in actual need of help for personal financial gain told you?