What is LSD?

Overview

Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, is a psychedelic drug that is taken orally and causes the user to experience vivid hallucinations. It was discovered by Swiss chemist, Albert Hofmann in the 1930’s. It was originally used as a treatment for various psychiatric disorders, but it quickly became an illicit drugs when the hallucinogenic effects became more widely known.

When a user ingest LSD they refer to it as a “trip”. The trip can cause the user to see patterns of light, lose their sense of time, feel sensations on the body, can alter awareness of the user, and can cause emotional instability. Many users claim that by using LSD they are able to achieve higher plains of being or the ability to understand complex problems. The duration of the “trip” can last from anywhere between three and twelve hours and it is dependant of the dose that was ingested. Users can also have what is known as a bad trip where they become fearful, anxious, and in some cases terrified of objects or ideas that are not real.

LSD Side Effects

• Dilated Pupils
• Increased Body Temperature
• Sweating
• Loss of Appetite
• Tremors
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

LSD Addiction

LSD is not chemically addictive, but many users will develop a tolerance for the drug over time. This will result in the user needing to take higher doses of LSD to achieve the high.

LSD Treatment

The main treatment for LSD is social support and twelve step programs. Many users use less frequently as they age and quit altogether without many of the harmful side effects associated with quitting more addictive substances.

LSD Links

If you would like to know more about LSD use, treatment, or side effects please feel free to visit the following web sites:

http://www.clearhavencenter.com/substance-abuse-treatment-resources/signs-of-LSD-use.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LSD

http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/drug_info_lsd.asp