LSD

LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic chemical, made from a substance found in ergot, which is a fungus that infects rye (grain). LSD belongs to a group of drugs known as Hallucinogens (also known as ‘psychedelics’). When small doses are taken, it can produce mild changes in perception, mood and thought. When larger doses are taken, it may produce visual hallucinations and distortions of space and time.

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Other Substances

Sometimes, what is sold as LSD can actually be other chemicals such as NBOMe or the 2C family of drugs (part of the new psychoactive substances). These can be quite dangerous, as their quality is inconsistent, plus the potential to take too much of these other substances can be fatal and a number of deaths have been reported due to people taking them.

Common Names

  • Acid
  • Trips
  • Tabs
  • Microdots
  • Dots
  • Lucy

How is it used?

LSD is usually swallowed, but it can also be sniffed, injected or smoked.

In its pure state, LSD is a white odourless crystalline substance. However, LSD is so potent that an effective dose of pure drug is so small it is virtually invisible. As a result it is usually diluted with other materials. The most common form of LSD, is drops of LSD solution dried onto gelatin sheets, pieces of blotting paper or sugar cubes, which release the drug when they are swallowed. LSD is also sometimes sold as a liquid, in a tablet or in capsules.

Mixing LSD with other drugs

LSD + ICE, SPEED OR ECSTASY

Can increase the chances of a bad trip and can also lead to panic.

LSD + ALCOHOL

Increased nausea and vomiting.

Side Effects of
LSD

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.

The effects of taking LSD with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.

LSD affects everyone differently, based on:

  • A person’s size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The amount taken
  • The strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch)

Common Effects:

The effects of LSD usually begin in 30 – 45 minutes and can last for 4 to 12 hours. The following may be experienced during this time:
  • Euphoria and well-being
  • Dilation of pupils
  • Seeing and hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
  • Confusion and trouble concentrating
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Fast or irregular heart beat
  • Increased body temperature
  • Breathing quickly
  • Vomiting
  • Facial flushes, sweating and chills

Long-term effects:

People who regularly use LSD may eventually experience flashbacks. Flashbacks are hallucinations that occur weeks, months or even years after the drug was last taken. This can be disturbing, especially when the hallucination is frightening. Flashbacks can be brought on by using other drugs, stress, tiredness or exercise and usually last for a minute or two.

In addition to flashbacks, regular use of LSD may eventually cause:
  • Psychological dependence on hallucinogens
  • Financial, work and social problems

Dangerous Signs

If you take a large amount, the negative effects of LSD are more likely to happen. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:
  • Panic
  • Paranoia
  • Increased risk taking
  • Psychosis

Coming Down

In the following days after using hallucinogens, the following may be experienced:
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Body and muscle aches
  • Depression

Bad Trips

Sometimes you can experience a ‘bad trip’, involving a disturbing hallucination. This can lead to panic and risky behavior, like running across a road or attempting self-harm.

Dependence & Tolerance

Tolerance develops rapidly to the effects of LSD. After the third or fourth consecutive days of taking LSD, no amount of the drug can produce the desired effects. However, after a short period of abstinence (about 3-4 days) normal tolerance returns.

LSD Overdose