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Psychedelics
LSD(lysergic acid deithylamide)
Drug group - Psychedelics
Street names
Acid, trips
Drug effects
One of the most powerful psychedelic drugs. A small amount can produce perceptual changes. Effects, which begin in around 1 hour can last between 7 and 12 hours. Sights, sounds and emotions are often amplified. Colours may look brighter, stationary objects may seem to change shape and the world may seem hilarious, bizarre and intensely beautiful. Anxieties about the drug experience may be intensified, triggering a bad trip.
Description
Clear liquid which is diluted and sprayed onto blotting paper, which is then cut into tiny squares, (blotters) usually bearing a picture. Occasionally found as tiny tablets or microdots.
Street use
Almost always swallowed
Dependency
Psychological dependence extremely rare
No physical dependency
Withdrawal
No physical withdrawal symptoms
Long term use
No evidence that LSD can cause physiological problems even when used over a long period of time. Use of psychedelics can cause psychological disturbance and trigger latent mental health problems. Flashbacks (re-experiencing previous trip) common.
Overdose risk
Very rare, although accidents have occurred as a result of LSD intoxication and a number of suicides have been linked to LSD-related psychological disturbance.
Legal status
Class A, Schedule 1
Maximum penalty
Possession: 7 years
Supplying: Life
SPECIAL NOTE
If a user is having a 'bad trip', it helps to reduce all external stimulation such as lighting and noise levels to a minimum.