LSD Overview – Effects, Risks and Dangers

What is LSD?

LSD or Acid stands for Lysergic acid diethylamide. It is a psychedelic drug that is an extremely potent hallucinogen. According to National Institute of Drug Abuse, a Hallucinogen is a drug or group of drugs that can effect a user’s awareness of their surroundings, their thoughts and feelings. Hallucinogens can be divided into 2 categories – Classic Hallucinogens and Dissociative Hallucinogens. Dissociative Hallucinogens differs from Classic Hallucinogens in the sense that they can lead to a user feeling disconnected from their mind, body and environment. LSD is a classic hallucinogen. 

Source: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens

When was LSD first made?

LSD was first made in the year 1938 by Albert Hofmann from lysergic acid.  Albert Hofmann was a Swiss Chemist who was working on developing a respiratory stimulant for Sandoz in Basel, Switzerland. LSD comes from ergot which is a fungus that infects grains such as rye. Albert Hofmann only discovered the effects of LSD in the year 1943 after unknowingly consuming the substance.

How does LSD work?

Upon consumption, LSD binds to the dopamine and serotonin receptors. The effects are more pronounced compared to drugs such as psilocybin that binds to the serotonin receptors only. Examples of Psilocybin include Psilocybin Mushrooms or Magic Mushrooms. 

What are the psychological effects of consuming LSD?

Effects of LSD can start under less than an hour and can go on for upto 20 hours. Users experience intense thoughts and emotions and have heightened sensory perception under low or regular doses. Higher doses of LSD can trigger hallucinations. LSD is also known to cause adverse psychological effects such as paranoia, mood swings, anxiety and delusions. 

What are the physical effects of consuming LSD?

LSD use can also lead to several physical effects such as Increased Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Body Temperature, Blurred Vision, Loss of Sleep and Appetite. Like any other drug, consuming LSD regularly for a prolonged period of time can build a tolerance. A user will then have to consume a larger quantity of the drug to feel the same high again.

Is LSD legal?

LSD is illegal in most countries across the world including India and the possession, consumption, sale or distribution is strictly banned. Law enforcement in India are extremely vigilant about the drug menace and both drug users and peddlers are dealt with an iron fist.

Good and Bad Trip

Upon consuming LSD, users experience bright sights and sensations with heightened awareness also called a “Good Trip” or anxiety, fear or negative thoughts also called a “Bad Trip”. There is no way of knowing what type of trip a user may experience prior to LSD use.

Dangers of an LSD Overdose

According to research published in The Western Journal of Medicine, patients that were administered large amounts of pure D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) showed adverse reactions within 15 minutes. The reactions include Vomiting, Collapse, Hyperthermia, Respiratory Problems, Mild Generalised Bleeding and Platelet Dysfunction. Although most patients recovered from the LSD overdose with supportive care, an overdose is without a doubt life-threatening and can lead to adverse effects in a user. 

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1129381