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Drugs and drink

LSD

Know the effects, risks and law before you decide whether to take that trip.

Slang:

Acid, sugar, trips, tabs, sid, Bart Simpsons, blotter, micro dots, liquid.

Background:

The chemical name is lysergic acid diethylamide. LSD is an hallucinogenic drug that comes in tiny squares of paper, often with a picture on one side. The picture says nothing about the likely effect or strength of the drug. Microdots and dots come in the form of very small tablets. 2CB is another hallucinogenic drug similar to LSD, but which is also related to ecstasy.

The Effects:

  • LSD can have a powerful, often unpredictable effect on the mind.
  • It can take up to one hour to kick in.
  • Users may experience their surroundings in a very different way, including the distortion of objects, movement, vision and hearing.
  • Hallucinations are also common. The effects are commonly known as a 'trip', and may last for 8 - 12 hours. Much depends on the strength of the drug, the user's mood, their location and surroundings.
  • On rare occasions users experience flashbacks of past 'trips' for a long time afterwards. Users experience different trips every time.

The Risks:

  • Once the trip starts, there's no way of stopping it until the effects subside.
  • Bad trips can be terrifying, and seem very real.
  • Dizziness, disorientation, fear, paranoia, and panic may arise.
  • The likelihood of a bad trip will increase when users are in a bad mood, anxious, nervous, uncomfortable or have a history of mental problems.
  • A bad trip can make users feel very threatened and shaken for a long time afterwards.
  • Accidents may happen while users are hallucinating.
  • LSD can complicate existing psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

The Law:

  • LSD and other hallucinogens are Class A drugs.
  • It is illegal to reproduce, supply or possess these drugs except under a special office licence.
  • It is also an offence to allow premises to be used for production or supply.

If you are planning on taking this drug:

  • Hallucinogens can enhance and amplify existing feelings. Even so, being in a good mood does not guarantee a good trip.
  • If you're with a friend who's having a bad LSD experience you can help by simply being there with them as a steadying influence. Remind them they've used LSD (they might have forgotten), and that they are tripping. Help them to talk if they want to, but don't constantly question them as a bad trip can leave users sensitive to feelings of paranoia. If possible, change your environment to encourage a sense of calm, i.e. play some less frantic music or step outside if you're in a crowded club.