Is microdosing a form of drug abuse?
It is questionable if using psychedelics sparingly falls within the category of drug abuse. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition defines hallucinogenic substance abuse as “A problematic pattern of hallucinogen (other than Phencyclidine) use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period” (DSM-5). Microdosing LSD does not meet this definition of substance misuse. Microdosing psychedelics is not technically substance abuse because it excludes excessive or inadvertent drug usage. Nevertheless, authorities in the US continue to view psychedelics as illegal substances. Additionally, the bulk of psychedelics are remain illegal worldwide despite growing evidence of their potential benefits in treating a range of ailments.
Risks and potential for addiction:
It is unclear whether LSD microdosing entails any special risks or if it increases the risk of addiction. The consumption of a tiny dose of LSD every other day for a few months, however, was found to have adverse consequences in other rodent studies. The following side effects lasted for weeks after the microdosing was stopped: Increased hostility, an unruly demeanour; hyperreactivity; difficulties or inability to enjoy pleasure. The potential negative effects of serotonin syndrome, which can be brought on by medications that activate serotonin receptors, include the following: trembling; hyperthermia, a condition in which the body has problems controlling its temperature; and shaking. Health professionals often do not view LSD as addictive at low or recreational amounts. The medicine is also not linked to obsessive use.
Microdosing is the practise of repeatedly swallowing very small doses of LSD over a long period of time. According to anecdotal evidence and advocates of LSD microdosing, the practise offers health benefits, including improving mood and cognition and treating addiction and mental health issues. More research is required before scientists can make any strong conclusions from these allegations, but experts have discovered instances of negative effects that occurred after microdosing was stopped. Some of them include increased hostility and hyperactivity.
Because research on LSD has mostly relied on self-reporting and self-medication, scientists must continue to explore its effects in bigger, more controlled studies before drawing firm conclusions on the potential risks and benefits of microdosing this substance. These mixed-methods findings help to condense and frame the experiences of an active microdosing community as very intriguing areas for additional scientific inquiry.
