LSD is still one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals and is derived from the extremely poisonous ergot fungus, a mold which grows on rye and other grains. Its effects are unpredictable. A tiny amount can produce 12 hours or more of effects.
LSD
LSD is sold in tablets, capsules or in liquid form. It is commonly added to absorbent paper and divided into small decorated squares. Each square is a dose.
Short-term Effects:
Dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth and tremors. People can experience severe, terrifying thoughts and feelings, fear of losing control, fear of insanity and death and feelings of despair while using LSD.
Long-term Effects:
Flashbacks, or recurrences, of an LSD “trip” can be experienced long after the drug is taken and its effect has apparently worn off. The “trip” itself usually begins to clear up after about 12 hours, but some users manifest long-lasting psychoses.
STREET NAMES
REFERENCES
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 2007 Annual Report
- “Drug Facts, Did You Know?” Drugs and the Environment, October 2004
- Results from the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Fact Sheet.
- AlcoholScreening.org
- Office of National Drug Control Policy
- “New Initiative Harnesses Power of Teens, Parents to Stop Teen Drug Use,” Media Campaign, News Room, 29 January 2004
- Office of National Drug Control Policy, National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, 3 October 2004
- “Help for Parents: Is Your Child Using Drugs? How to Find Out,” Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 12 October 2004
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- UN Office of Drugs and Crime World Drug Report 2008
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction Statistical Bulletin 2008
- “Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) Highlights—2006”
- “CDC Survey: As Many Teens Smoke Marijuana as Cigarettes, Cigarette Use Dropping Faster,” 5 June 2008