LSD: Effects and facts

LSD, also known as acid, is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals around; even if consumed in tiny amounts, it can still produce 12 hours or more of unpredictable effects. The drug is derived from a very poisonous ergot fungus, a mold that grows on grains. LSD is a psychedelic drug which has psychological effects and it is commonly used as a recreational drug or for spiritual reasons.
Physical effects of LSD:

• Dilatation of pupils
• Increased temperature
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating and nausea

Even though the effects of LSD are more pronounced on a mental rather than physical level, some consequences linger following long term use of the drug. First of all, individuals can develop tolerance for the drug, and then require a larger dose of LSD for the desired effects. If the dose is too high, this can lead to a life threatening level of toxicity. A cardiovascular collapse or sudden heart failure is also a high possibility following a long term use of the drug. Mixing LSD with other drugs poses a serious health risk and can also drastically increase the chances of a bad trip. Mixed with alcohol, LSD can cause nausea and vomiting.
Psychological effects of LSD:

• Euphoria and well being
• Hallucinations (seeing/hearing things that aren’t there)
• Confusion and trouble concentrating
• The delusion that one has extreme mental clarity
• Unusual thoughts and increase in associative and creative thinking
• Over-awareness and over-sensitivity to music and noise
• Paranoia, fear and panic
• Occasional bad trips; so powerful that the effects can be irreversible (especially among people that have mental health issues in their family)

The mental effects of LSD are unpredictable and differ a lot based on the drug dose. Effects usually start to show 30-45 minutes after consumption and can last from 3 to 12 hours (factors that can influence this are the user’s metabolism, the tolerance level towards the drug, etc.). There can also be psychological long term effects of consuming the drug such as flashbacks, paranoia or even psychosis. The flashbacks can occur a few weeks, a few months or even a few years after consumption and can last for a minute or two.
Facts about LSD:

• It was first synthesized in 1938 in Basel, Switzerland
• It is also known as “Lucy”, “yellow sunshine”, “trips” but has various names used on the streets
• LSD does not create a physical addiction, but it can become addictive on a psychological level
• Tripping on LSD has aided at least 2 Nobel Prize winners in their scientific discoveries.
• After its discovery in 1938, LSD was used experimentally to treat neuroses, drug addiction, autism, alcoholism, terminally-ill cancer patients and to study the mechanisms of psychotic diseases such as schizophrenia.

If you suspect that a friend or someone close to you is using LSD, try and have a frank discussion with them or seek professional help.