Millions of people use recreational drugs to get high. Two of the most commonly used drugs are ecstasy and LSD. When these two are combined, it’s called “candy flipping.” While people may do this to experience a more intense high, it can significantly increase the chances of experiencing dangerous and even deadly side effects. Here are some things to know about this practice.
What Is Candy Flipping?
Candy flipping is a slang term describing taking LSD and ecstasy together to intensify the effects of each drug. Usually, a person will first take LSD and wait for the hallucinogenic effects to set in. Once these effects are at their peak (typically several hours later), they take MDMA to intensify the high. The individual side effects of these drugs can differ with each use and can be unpredictable. Additionally, candy flipping increases your chances of developing complications and long-term physical and psychological harm.
What Is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy (sometimes called “Molly” or “MDMA”) is a synthetic drug that creates an energizing, pleasurable effect. It is known for inducing a heightened sense of empathy and euphoria. Most people take it in pill or tablet form.
The Effects of Ecstasy
Ecstasy is often used in social settings because it makes people feel “in tune” with their surroundings. Additionally, people experience increased empathy and affection for those around them. It also increases sexual arousal and reduces inhibition. Along with these effects comes the possibility of unwanted side effects, including:
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased body temperature
- Sweating
- Chills
- Teeth clenching
Increased body temperature can lead to hyperthermia, which, in some cases, can be fatal if proper medical attention is not received.
What Is LSD?
LSD is a powerful psychedelic drug derived from a fungus called “ergot.” It is a psychedelic drug that causes powerful effects on perception and reality. Most people take LSD by dissolving a piece of paper, gelatin sheet, or sugar cube on their tongue or by swallowing it.
The Effects of LSD
While smaller doses of LSD create minor changes in mood and perception, larger doses create full-scale distortions of reality and powerful hallucinations. Most people take LSD for the feelings of euphoria it induces. However, LSD trips are unpredictable and can either be enjoyable or extremely scary. Additional side effects include:
- Euphoria
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fear
- Rapid mood swings
Larger doses of LSD may lead to more intense effects, which can be very frightening.
The Dangers of Combining MDMA and LSD
Mixing LSD and ecstasy heightens your risk of anxiety, making it more difficult to judge the effects the drugs are having on you. Unintentional overdose is possible. There are two primary risks associated with candy flipping:
- Experiencing a bad trip – When you drop acid, you always risk having a bad trip. Adding in ecstasy can raise these risks, intensify the trip, and make it last longer. If you have underlying mental health conditions, this may also heighten your chances. Frightening experiences may increase your possibility of engaging in dangerous behavior that could result in injury or death.
- Hydration problems – Taking ecstasy on its own raises your risk of dehydration and heatstroke. However, another risk with MDMA is drinking too much water, which can also be extremely dangerous. When you candy flip, you increase your risk of these dangers.
The Risks Associated with Candy Flipping
People combine LSD and MDMA to intensify the pleasurable effects of both drugs. However, the problem with candy flipping is that it increases your chances of experiencing negative, even dangerous, side effects. Anxiety and paranoia are real risks that can cause you to injure yourself or someone else unintentionally. Additional risks include:
- Psychological effects – Although information regarding the long-term effects of candy flipping is limited, using hallucinogens can contribute to mood disturbances, perception changes, and potential hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.
- Neurological impacts – Chronic use of MDMA may contribute to long-term cognitive impairment.
- Addiction and dependency – Using any drug raises your risk of becoming dependent or developing an addiction to substances. Frequent, heavy use may also increase these risks.
Because research regarding candy flipping is limited, additional risks that are currently unknown may exist.
What Are the Signs of Addiction to Ecstasy and LSD?
Polysubstance abuse occurs when you take more than one substance, either intentionally or unintentionally. Candy flipping is an example of this practice. Using more than one substance increases your chances of experiencing adverse effects and negative health outcomes. Your risk of overdose also increases. If you’re concerned you’re becoming addicted to LSD or MDMA, you may want to look out for the following signs:
- Spending most of your time trying to obtain ecstasy and LSD.
- Continue to use MDMA and acid despite adverse effects on your personal and professional life.
- Experiencing changes in sleep pattern, physical appearance, and weight.
- Needing larger amounts of MDMA and acid to achieve your desired effect.
- Experiencing problems with the law, such as driving under the influence and other legal matters.
Getting Help
Here at Footprints to Recovery, we believe that treating addiction should be comprehensive and consist of several treatment modalities to adequately address your situation. Typically, this process starts with medically supervised detox, where you will receive round-the-clock care from medical professionals as your body adjusts to functioning without drugs in your system. Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process and is highly individualized, although it may consist of the following:
- Individual therapy to explore your challenges, goals, and concerns.
- Family therapy to help you communicate better with your loved ones.
- Traditional and alternative approaches to treat your body, mind, and spirit.
- Medicated assisted treatment to assist you with detox and recovery.
- Detailed relapse prevention plan to help you as you adjust to a newly sober life.
We understand how hard it is to ask for help if you’re struggling with substance use. Addiction is a complicated disease with multiple facets. At Footprints to Recovery, you can begin your journey to wellness and build a strong foundation for a positive future. Contact Footprints to Recovery today to find out more.
