What is LSD?
LSD, also known as lysergic acid diethylamide, is an illegal drug, which when taken, distorts the reality of a person. In serious cases of LSD abuse, drug treatment is sought at a variety of drug rehab facilities. This drug is usually ingested orally, with its most common form being blotter paper (small decorated squares dipped in LSD). Tablets, powder and gelatin squares are other sold forms of LSD. LSD is a colorless and odorless drug. Popular street names include hits, window pane, microdots, blotter and trips.
This drug is classified as a hallucinogen. Hallucinogens infiltrate the nerve cells and neurotransmitter serotonin, disrupting their interaction. This disruption in turn affects the body’s behavior and perception of things. When taking LSD, the body’s senses become confused and mood swings are common. Most drugs produce side effects unhealthy to the body. To prevent permanant physical damage to the body, treatment for drug abuse is recommended. Such treatment can be sought at a variety of drug treatment centers.
Approximately 30 minutes to an hour after taking LSD, results of its use begin to take place. These effects can last up to 12 hours. One reason LSD can be so harmful is that its use can be very emotionally draining. In fact, this hallucinogen has been known to reveal hidden mental and emotional complications. Numerous fatal accidents are also common among LSD users. To prevent such fatal accidents, many LSD users have already sought drug treatment for their addictions.
How is LSD used?
LSD can be taken in many forms, the most common form being blotter paper. This paper comes in very small squares and is licked to achieve the effects of LSD. This drug can also be taken in tablet form, gelatin squares, on sugar cubes, or as a liquid. LSD can also be rubbed onto the skin, and its gelatin and liquid forms can be put into the eyes. LSD has been available on the market for over 40 years, and although it is now illegal, it was first sold legally.
Signs/Symptoms of LSD
Symptoms of LSD differ according to each person and the amount of the drug taken. Short term effects of taking LSD include:
- Dry mouth
- Confused senses, seeing voices and hearing colors
- Tremors
- Dilated pupils
- Perspiration
- Hallucinations
- Time distortion
- Nausea
- High blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased body temperature
- Lack of an appetite
- Unable to sleep
- Fever
- Hypothermia
- Numbness
- Mixed emotions
Frightening Trips
A frightening or bad trip is what occurs when someone has taken LSD and reacts in an unhealthy way. This psychological reaction can be very scary, causing feelings of panic, helplessness and anxiousness. These bad trips can last up to several hours. Flashbacks, seeing various colors, fear of death, time distortion and identity confusion are common reactions to these trips.
Effects of LSD
The effects of many drugs are dangerous and cause poor health. Drug treatment centers are available to assist people who abuse drugs, and prevent long term damage through drug rehab. A few long-term effects of LSD use include:
- Flashbacks
- Psychoses
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
LSD is typically not an addictive drug. In many cases however, a tolerance can be built up to this drug so that higher doses must be taken each time to receive similar effects, a dangerous habit. Many drug treatment centers across the country address the serious issue of LSD use in their drug rehab programs as well as the tolerance many users build up to this drug.
About the author
