Chronic Users of LSD: The "Acidheads"

Twenty-one chronic LSD users showed a shared set of magical-mystical beliefs, nonaggressive attitudes, and heightened sensitivity to certain sensory stimulation, as observed through interviews, cognitive and perceptual tests, and EEG studies. The authors suggest these beliefs and attitudes may have developed as learned consequences of frequent, intense LSD experiences in susceptible individuals.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Twenty-one paid volunteers who were chronic users of LSD were interviewed and participated in a series of cognitive and perceptual tests and EEG studies. Among other observations derived from both interviews and testing, the authors noted that the group shared a set of magical-mystical beliefs and profound nonaggressive attitudes, as well as a unique sensitivity to certain types of sensory stimulation. The authors suggest that the beliefs and attitudes of the group may have arisen as learned consequences of frequent, intense LSD experiences in susceptible individuals.