LSD, Acid

Category: Psychedelic, hallucinogen

Chemical name: d-lysergic acid deiethylamide

• LSD is a synthetic chemical derived from ergot alkaloids which are produced by the ergot fungus which grows on rye. It is thought that it is produced mainly in the USA and Canada.
• Extremely potent. Pure LSD the size of a pill is good for 3000 doses
• Most commonly seen in the form of small squares of paper called blotters. Other forms include pills, gelatin squares, liquid, sugar cubes and powder. A standard dose is usually between 50 and 150 micrograms.
• Aside from its recreational use, LSD can also be used therapeutically, most notably in psychology and psychiatry.
• Almost always taken orally. Effects usually begin 20 to 90 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 12 hours.

*Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person.*

Effects on brain:

Short term:

• LSD resembles monoamines naturally found in the brain like neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin. It blocks the serotonin receptors on neurons, disabling their regular activity.
• LSD acts on 2 parts of the brain; the cortex (makes hallucinations) and the locus coereleus (makes every sensory input seem new and unique).

• Long term use can result in changes in the neurological systems, disabling it to function like it initially did. This can result in depression, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders.

Effects on body:

Short term:

• Possible short term effects include increased energy, dilated pupils, increased salivation and mucus production, unusual body sensations (facial flushing, chills, goosebumps), slight increase in body temperature, slight increase in heart rate, increased yawning, jaw tension, increased perspiration, nausea and insomnia.

• Flashbacks (one theory is that these may be caused by the storage of the drug in fatty cells. When the fatty cells are destroyed, the drug is re-released into the system.

Effects on behavior:

Short term:

• Possible short term effects include uplifting mood, increased awareness and appreciation of sounds, smells, tastes, sights etc.
• Some experience an increase in creative thinking, life-changing experiences and psychological reflection, feelings of connection to the world
• Other possible effects are difficulty focusing, changes in time perception, quickly changing moods, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, over-awareness, overwhelming or unwanted feelings or thoughts, unwanted life-changing experiences.

• Possible long term effects include psychosis (from the LSD itself or the LSD acts as a catalyst to the individual’s underlying mental disorder), depression, flashbacks, paranoid states, HPPD (post hallucinogenic perceptual disorder), toxic psychosis, neuroses.

Addiction:There is no physical addiction, but chances of psychological dependence are likely. The drug can begin taking over important parts of the person’s life

Tolerance:Metabolic, situational and neurological tolerance develops quickly

• If used frequently for 3-4 days, tolerance reaches a point where no amount of LSD will be effective.
• If use is stopped for 3-4 days, the tolerance disappears

Withdrawal Symptoms: No physical symptoms

*Disclaimer! Nothing you do can make using LSD, or acid completely safe. All drug use has inherent risks and dangers. The suggestions in this section can only help you reduce some of the associated risks. The best way to avoid the harms related to drug use is to not take the drug at all.*

• LSD is illegal; therefore if you are caught possessing, exchanging, buying or selling this drug it can result in criminal charges.
• Drug use affects the developing mind and body differently than developed ones. Waiting until your mind and body have more fully developed before using substances can have long term health and mental benefits.
• Ideally, plan to have a day or two to come down and relax after your trip.
• Do not drive or operate machinery while using LSD.
• Take half a hit first to see what the drug’s effects are on you, before taking any more.
• It is a very good idea to have a sober person around, to look after the people on LSD and make sure they do not attempt anything dangerous or life-threatening.
• Bad trips are not uncommon and do not depend only on dosage, but on circumstance, predisposition and setting.
• If someone is having a bad trip, take them to a quiet, comfortable area and make sure someone is keeping an eye on them. Try to reassure them and to facilitate a discussion about what is making them upset.
• If you cannot calm them and they get out of control, call 911.