LSD

What is LSD?

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is a synthetic substance. The minute amounts sufficient for a 'trip' are usually absorbed onto a small paper square, but are also less commonly available in gelatine sheets, sugar cubes or formed into tablets or capsules. The strength of all these preparations is uncertain and so the effects can be unpredictable. Often substances sold as LSD contain none at all.

The use of LSD was very popular during the 70's, and although its use is rare overall, it is more common among students and certain youth subcultures.

Effects of short-term use

A 'trip' begins half to one hour after taking LSD, peaks at about 2 to 6 hours, (depending on the dose), and fades after about 12 hours. Because such tiny amounts are needed for a trip, it can be difficult to fully control the amount taken, and therefore, the duration and intensity of the trip. Experiences are hard to describe, partly because they vary, but also because they can differ from the normal way of perceiving things.

Effects depend very much on the user's mood, where they are, who they are with as well as the dose taken. They often include intensified colours and distortion of vision and hearing, although true hallucinations, believing something is there when it's not, are rare, although they become more common on higher doses. Emotional reactions may include heightened self-awareness and mystical or ecstatic experiences. A feeling of being outside one's body is commonly reported. Physical effects are generally insignificant.

Unpleasant reactions ('bad trips') may include depression, dizziness, disorientation, fear, paranoia and panic. Whether these effects are due to the user being unstable, anxious, depressed or in hostile or unsuitable surroundings is still uncertain. However, a bad trip is not predictable and may happen at any time when LSD is taken, although a bad trip is less likely than a pleasurable experience.

Deaths due to suicide, although much publicised, are rare. There is only one known case of death attributed to LSD overdose.

LSD is taken to experience its psychedelic effect and is normally used in a casual recreational fashion.

Effects of long-term use

There is no reliable evidence of physical damage from repeated use of LSD, the main hazards tend to be psychological. Serious anxiety or brief 'psychotic reactions' may occur, but can usually be dealt with by friendly reassurance. Prolonged serious disorders are rare and are most likely to occur with people who have already existing psychological problems.

Users build up a tolerance to LSD relatively quickly. LSD does not cause physical dependence although some users may have a psychological dependence on the drug, however this is extremely rare.

Brief but vivid re-experiences of part of a previous trip ('flashbacks') have been reported especially after frequent use. These have occurred between two weeks and two years after the last dose and can leave the user feeling disorientated and distressed but are only rarely dangerous.

It is difficult to perform tasks requiring concentration whilst on a 'trip', and driving ability is certainly impaired. Physical dependence does not result from LSD and frequent use is not discouraged by the fact that several days after taking LSD, further doses are less effective.

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