LSD was the focus of serious scientific research before it became a symbol of counterculture and a target of the War on Drugs in the United States. Early studies in the 1940s and 50s explored its potential to treat alcoholism, depression, and other conditions, long before fear-driven narratives about brain damage began to circulate.

Although myths about LSD harming the brain were amplified during prohibition, decades of research suggest a very different story—one that highlights both its risks and remarkable therapeutic promise.

To understand LSD’s true effects, it helps to start with how the substance works in the brain.

What Is LSD and How Does It Work?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a semi-synthetic psychedelic derived from ergot, a fungus responsible for a condition known as St. Anthony’s Fire that was described during the Middle Ages. (1)

It activates serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors in the brain, specifically in the prefrontal cortex, which is known as the “personality center” of the brain and is responsible for everything from decision-making to complex thinking. (2) (3)

As a result of this interaction, LSD can significantly impact an individual’s mood, social decision-making, perception, and thinking, all of which lead to a dramatic shift in awareness.

More importantly, the effects result from actual changes in the way that the brain works, which is why LSD experiences often produce intense, life-altering experiences. A 2016 study, for instance, found that it could increase electrical activity and blood flow while improving how the brain communicates with itself. (4)

You can learn more about these effects in our guide to LSD. There are also many experience reports on our forum, including this thread on the best LSD playlists and this one on LSD and psilocybin experiences.

Short-Term Effects of LSD on the Brain

By influencing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that provides various functions related to mood and emotions, LSD triggers numerous and significant effects in the short term, including:

• Sensory amplification (greater sensations of touch, sound, and smell).
• Synesthesia (a merging of the senses).
• Vivid hallucinations.
• Altered sense of self.
• Heightened introspection.
• Emotional insight.
• Time dilation.
• Ego dissolution.

Understanding these effects and their role in personal transformation is a key component of our Practitioner Certification Program—an essential training for committed practitioners who want to build a strong framework for psychedelic integration.

Long-Term Effects: What the Science Says

There is no evidence that LSD can damage brain cells. In fact, studies suggest that the opposite may be true. A 2018 animal study found that microdoses of psychedelics like LSD could promote neuron growth, helping the brain to heal and grow. It has been suggested that this could be one of the reasons psychedelics have shown so much promise in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression/anxiety, with one analysis noting that “psychedelic substances provide prospects for a revolutionary method of treating PTSD”. (5) (6)

There is a small risk of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) in some users, but this is largely the result of poor planning and inexperienced or ill-prepared users. It’s much more common in those with preexisting psychological issues, for example, and studies have repeatedly shown few to no long-term adverse reactions in healthy subjects using a safe dose. (7) (8)

It’s for this reason that the PCI curriculum focuses on proper planning and preparation, with practitioners encouraged to assess their clients before they sit with psychedelics and look out for any warning signs.

Microdosing LSD: A Subtle Neurological Shift

Microdoses are sub-perceptual doses of LSD that aim to deliver some of the positive effects without any of the deep psychological changes and perception shifts.

They are often used to boost creativity or improve mood, and as there is no loss of self or visual hallucinations associated with higher doses, individuals can safely perform their daily activities.

Practitioners are taught to assess all clients and to understand their goals. If a client is seeking minor changes in mood and creativity and is concerned about hallucinations, microdosing may be the best solution. Practitioners can create structured microdosing plans along with their clients to ensure the results are in line with expectations.

Microdosing still necessitates proper planning and integration, though. Clients need to be prepared and protected, while integration enhances their results and encourages them to learn from their experiences.

LSD and Addiction: Why It’s Not Addictive

If LSD is euphoric and pleasant, why isn’t it addictive? How can substances like opioids be so addictive when psychedelics like LSD are not?

There are several reasons for this. LSD doesn’t light up the brain’s reward centers in the same way as other substances. It’s also typically not something that people can tolerate in large amounts every day, as the experiences are so intense that even repeated users aren’t comfortable with daily use. (9)

There are no cravings, and while tolerance develops fast, it returns to a base level fairly quickly.

For this reason, LSD could be a useful tool in addiction treatment. In studies on alcoholism, for example, LSD therapy led to longer abstinence when compared to a control group. (10)

The Coaching Opportunity: Understanding Leads to Ethical Guidance

Before a psychedelic integration coach begins advising clients on how to structure their LSD experience, they must first understand how it works, how it changes brain chemistry, how it impacts the brain in the short and long term, and how to keep the sitter safe.

Practitioners trained in PCI’s framework will know how to respond to a client’s questions with confidence. They can provide clarity and assurances, coming from a place of experience and scientific understanding. Such knowledge will not only help them in their careers but can also provide credibility and build client trust.

Conclusion: LSD, the Brain, and the Path to Transformation

LSD does not cause brain damage, nor does it make everyone want to jump off a roof. This psychedelic has been slandered by decades of myths and misunderstandings, but in the last few years, we’ve witnessed a deluge of clinical trials and scientific studies, all looking into the positive ways that LSD impacts the brain.

The public perception is changing, and psychedelic integration practitioners are at the heart of this psychedelic renaissance. Education is key, though. To dispel myths and clarify misunderstandings, you need to know what you’re talking about.

If you’re ready to catalyze transformation for your clients ethically, skillfully, and with confidence, consider becoming a certified practitioner through the Psychedelic Coaching Institute.