LSD (Acid, Trips, Tabs, A)
Tuesday, 31 March 2009.
Originally from express article 23 September 2008
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
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| Diana Rands from CADS. |
LSD can take you on a joyful trip. You’ll be able to “see” sounds and “hear” colours for half a day or so after dropping a tab. The acid journey might also put you in the fear-filled grip of illusions and paranoia. With heavy use you could also spend the rest of your days suffering bouts of depression because the drug has altered the way your brain works.
LSD (d-lysergic acid diethyl amide - 25) is a powerful hallucinogenic usually sold as small paper square/tabs which was strongly associated with the hippy culture of the 1960s. LSD interferes with sensory processing and affects neurotransmitters in the brain (like serotonin). Other synthetic hallucinogens (e.g. DOB) are sometimes sold as acid.
The effects vary according to the user’s previous experience of the drug, their mood, and the quantity and strength. The trip can be very unpredictable, even for experienced users. Some users describe LSD as a spiritual experience.
Tripping (immediate effects):
LSD changes one’s perception of reality by causing a sensory overload. Most users take LSD orally, and the effects come on between 20 minutes and 2 hours and usually last 6 to 12 hours, with the strongest effects 3 to 5 hours after taking it. Tripping with good friends usually creates a much better time than doing it alone.
The most common effects of tripping are:
- Heightened sensory experience where sound and images are intensified and distorted.
- Distorted awareness of ability.
- Thinking becomes more intense.
- Uncontrollable laughter.
- Unstable or changing emotions.
- Muscle twitches or numbness.
- Slight increase in pulse and blood pressure, pupils becoming dilated.
- Increased body temperature (sometimes hot/cold sweats).
- Blurring of boundaries between self and environment.
- With high doses users may lose their sense of self, or not feel connected to their bodies.
- Increased energy because of stimulation of the central nervous system.
- Nausea.
Long term effects and risks include:
- Flashbacks, though these are rare.
- Depression and other mental problems, sometimes leading to death.
- Heart and blood pressure problems.
- Problems with memory and concentration.
HARM REDUCTION
- No use is the safest choice with LSD. People with heart problems should never use.
- Consider your personal safety and plan a safe night before using. It is best to trip only if in a positive mood, and while with friends.
- Take less than a whole trip the first time to find your tolerance. Otherwise, you could easily lose it. Being with an experienced tripper and in a safe environment with trusted friends is vital.
- Take a small amount at first to gauge the strength, which tends to vary between tabs.
- Mixing with drugs and alcohol can increase health risks. Mixing LSD with stimulants (e.g. speed) increases the chance of a bad trip - sensory overload can lead to panic. Combining LSD with Ketamine can be extremely disorientating and should be avoided.
- The experience relates to your own thoughts, feelings and surroundings, so positive thinking can help if you are having a bad trip.
- If you have mental health problems don’t take LSD!
- Taking large doses of LSD can bring back suppressed memories. If you have a history of trauma, consider this before taking a trip.
- The strength of LSD varies. The pictures (trademark) can be used as rough guides to strength. Ask friends who have tried them. Remember different batches of the same design can also vary in strength.
If you are having a bad trip - avoid dwelling on personal problems, use support, or change the scene or music. If you start to panic, reduce breathing to a steady rate and rationalise things. And remember - you will eventually come down.
Information on LSD taken from the CADS Auckland publication ‘sorted3’
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's LSD or other drug use, or you’re concerned about someone else contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
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