Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, is an illegal drug that alters cognitive functions, the senses and causes hallucinations. The drug is It is derived from ergot, a common fungus that grows in the wild, as well as a inorganic chemical compound called diethylamide.
Effects
Once the drug enters the brain an array of effects occurs. These can include perceptual changes, such as visual hallucinations, as well as changes in emotions, the sense of touch and cognitive functions. This drug has been known to trigger a long-term psychotic state and can produce schizophrenia in individuals who are susceptible.
Educational video and transcript are used with permission from Hopelinks
History
Known for its psychological effects, such as altered thinking process and hallucinations, LSD has been a prominent recreational drug used in the United States since the 1950’s. LSD, created in 1938 by Albert Hofmann, was intended to improve stimulation of respiratory and circulatory function.
The hallucinogenic properties were discovered in 1943, when the doctor “accidentally” consumed some of the medication himself. It was used in experiments for psychotherapy, alcoholism, migraines, and enhancing creativity all throughout the 1950’s and 60’s
How is it consumed and why?
Typically it is ingested in a liquid solution, solid tablets, or the more pure crystal form. Most people take LSD today for the psychedelic mind altering experience. It can also trigger panic attacks, anxiety, and flashbacks.
Signs of use
The most common symptoms are dilated pupils, sweating, dry mouth, abnormal laughter, distracted persona, confusion, as well as poor coordination and poor judgment.
Short and long term effects
LSD does not cause a physical need to compulsively act in drug-seeking behavior, but it does however, produce a physical tolerance that requires a user to use more each time which can result in overdose.
Long term use can also result in a psychological dependence and flashbacks to previous a LSD session
In treating abuse, there are some medications such as Valium, that help with the initial effects and in an emergency situation, when someone is having a “bad trip”, stomach pumping and activated charcoal have been used.
LSD Addicts Can Recover
It is suggested for chronic users to have psychological treatment due to sporadic and unpredictable effects at any time after abstinence. There are options for treatment that include various levels, ranging from out patient to hospital care. This is determined by the needs of each individual. It is also encouraged for the addict to participate in 12-step or abstinence based fellowships such as Narcotics Anonymous.
Be sure to visit our entire Drug Education Videos series and learn more about drug abuse, drug addiction and alcoholism
References
STREET DRUGS: a drug identification guide 2010
National Institute on Drug Abuse:
http://drugabuse.gov/
Medline Plus:
http://nih.gov/
The Vaults of Erowid:
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd.shtml
LSDAddiction.Com:
http://www.lsdaddiction.us/content/treatment-for-lsd.html
Project Know:
http://www.projectknow.com/research/lsd/
