LSD is one of the most potent, mood-changing chemicals. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in the ergot fungus that grows on rye and other grains.
Just a reminder: This is an informative article; we are only showing parents how to spot the signs and effects of LSD, not advocating its use.
What is LSD?
Known as โacidโ and by many other names, LSD is sold on the street in small tablets (โmicrodotsโ), capsules or gelatin squares (โwindow panesโ). It is sometimes added to absorbent paper, which is then divided into small squares decorated with designs or cartoon characters (โloony toonsโ). Occasionally it is sold in liquid form. But no matter what form it comes in, LSD leads the user to the same placeโa serious disconnection from reality.
LSD is produced in crystalline form and then mixed with excipients, or diluted as a liquid for production in ingestible forms. It is odourless, colourless and has a slightly bitter taste.
Effects of LSD Use
The effects of LSD are unpredictable. Usually, the first effects of the drug are felt 30 to 90 minutes after taking it. The user may experience extreme changes in mood, feel several different emotions at once, or swing rapidly from one emotion to another. If taken in large enough doses, the drug produces delusions and visual hallucinations. The physical effects include dilated pupils; higher body temperature and sweating; nausea and loss of appetite; increased blood sugar, heart rate and blood pressure; sleeplessness; dry mouth and tremors.
LSD users call an LSD experience a โtrip,โ typically lasting twelve hours or so. When things go wrong, which often happens, it is called a โbad trip,โ another name for a living hell. Typically, they end after about 12 hours.
Shifted perceptions can include:
- Distortions of time, depth, space, size and shape
- Hallucinations of things that are not there or that stationary items are moving – in most cases, the person is aware of the unreality of these effects but in those situations where this is not true, injury or death can occur
- Altered perceptions of speed
- A blended sensory experience, in other words, “hearing” colours or “seeing” music
- Intensified senses of sound, touch or sight – visual hallucinations may range from colour intensification or flashes of light to moving geometric or other patterns that can be seen with eyes open or shut
- The sensation that a person has left his or her body or that their body has changed shape
These changes can be frightening and can cause panic. Some LSD users also experience severe terrifying thoughts and feelings, fear of losing control, fear of insanity and death.
A person going through an LSD trip usually feels that he or she is gaining some special understanding or insight that was not available while sober. An effort to understand life better or continue these insights may drive a person to repeat the experience.
Physical signs of LSD use can be:
- Dilated pupils
- Salivation or dry mouth
- Tingling fingers or toes
- Weakness
- Negative effects include emotional distress including anxiety, depression, disorientation or paranoia
- Dizziness, nausea, rapid heart rate and convulsions
- Sweating or chills
- Blurred vision
- Inability to perform complex task like driving or operating machinery
Because of the emotional responses evoked by LSD, a person who is tripping may not be particularly concerned about concealing the artificial mellowness and relaxation that often occurs. If a child or young adult is home when they are using LSD, it may be possible for parents to observe some of these signs as there may be no effective attempt to hide them.
Again, this is an informative article; we are creating awarenessย about the effects of drugs, not promotingย them.
