LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is naturally found in ergot, a fungus that grows on grains including rye. LSD was accidentally discovered in 1938 by Albert Hofmann, it is odorless, colorless and tasteless. It is an easily recognized drug since it usually comes in small paper squares with comics printed on them. Each square normally contains one dose of 30 to 50 micrograms but the amount per dosage unit varies greatly. As with other drugs, LSD tolerance develops rapidly.

Cost

Unknown

Street Names

acid, trips, tabs, blotters, microdots, stars, white lightning, purple mike, blue mike, windows, superman, strawberries.

Methods of Consumption

LSD can come in the form of tablets, capsules, little pills, occasionally in liquid form (for injection) but mostly as very small square pieces of blotting paper with pictures on them. It is usually swallowed with effects taking 20 to 60 minutes to become pronounced, lasting from a few hours up to 12 depending on amount taken.

Consequences & Associated Risks

LSD use may cause erratic behavior (similar to schizophrenic psychosis), flashbacks (even when not used), dizziness, anxiety and paranoia. With continued use, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sleeplessness and tremors, lack of muscular coordination, incoherent speech, decreased awareness of touch and pain, convulsions and coma caused heart/lung failure may occur. Psychological effects include a sense of distance and estrangement, depression, anxiety, paranoia, violent behavior, confusion, suspicion, and loss of control. There is also a risk of developing a catatonic syndrome whereby the user becomes mute, lethargic, disoriented, and makes meaningless repetitive movements.

The brain is affected by even the tiniest amount of LSD not only don't know how much of a dose they are receiving but also the the effect it may have on them. It can permanently trigger long term mental illness.

Effects

LSD seems unique in drugs in that somebody can experience a good “trip” or bad one based on both unconscious and conscious thought before use. It causes powerful distortion to vision and hearing, hallucinations and lack of concentration. The sense of time, place, sound and color can be mixed up.

A bad trip is identified by feelings of paranoia, panic, confusion, suspiciousness, anxiety, fear that can last several hours and range from mildly frightening to terrifying. Sometimes taking a hallucinogen such as LSD can unmask mental or emotional problems that were previously unknown to the user.

A good trip is usually the opposite feeling experienced by a bad trip.

Benefits

Was once used by psychologists in mental wards to help their patients uncover memories or feelings.

Once its effects dissipate, how do you feel?

Similar to an alcohol hang over but can be felt throughout the body.