Psychedelics for Breakfast: The Rise of Micro-dosing
Most people want to reduce anxiety, improve concentration and problem solving, and be more creative. Some people have turned to micro-dosing Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). Yet there are a lot of reasons that taking LSD should not be the answer.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse categorizes LSD as “one of the most powerful mood-altering chemicals” in the world. The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies LSD as a Schedule I drug, meaning LSD has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical uses. LSD has proven consequences, including paranoia, terrifying flashbacks, panic attacks, excessive sweating, visual disturbances, tremors, and extreme mood swings. An LSD user may step out a fourth-story window to get a better look at the pavement or admire the sunset in the middle of a busy intersection.
Micro-dosing occurs when a person consumes small amounts of mind-altering substances. The goal is to improve thinking without affecting the entire body. But there is little evidence to support the benefits of these drugs. “There is absolutely no credible research on microdosing as of today,” said David E. Nichols, a chemical biology and medicinal chemistry professor at the University of North Carolina. Every beneficial result of micro-dosing is also self-reported, meaning there is no proof that micro-dosing causes any positive change. No matter what internet-based LSD micro-dosing coaches proclaim, no published micro-dosing research studies exist to support their claims.
Marine Corps Order 5300.17A defines drug misuse as using any substance, whether prescribed or not, with the intent to change a person’s mental state in a way not prescribed by a medical authority. Drug misuse reduces “overall health, wellness, and safety of Marines and their family members.” Micro-dosing LSD is considered drug misuse.
Even if future scientific evidence proves micro-dosing has positive effects, LSD has severe negative psychological and physical consequences. If you think that you are or someone you know may be using LSD or any other harmful mind-altering drugs, seek help and support from your local installation Substance Abuse Counseling Center or Community Counseling Center.