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effects of LSD on the human body
effects of LSD on the human body
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The Psychological Effects of LSD Introduction LSD has always been a center of controversy in American society, often times because peoplehave been miseducated about its effects or exposed to media bias. Its physiological effects onthe brain and body have become more and more apparent in the last few decades when research in neuroscience peaked. The psychological effects of LSD have been often difficult to describe and document very well -- they were first discovered on April 16, 1943 by research chemist Albert Hofmann when a small amount of the drug soaked through his fingers during a routine synthesis. He experienced an imaginative dream-like state for a duration of about 2-3 hours. Since then, a great deal of work has been done attempting to document the health effects of LSD. Acute Effects LSD is very potent: the effective dose is measured in micrograms (ug) -- however, the lethal dose is literally thousands of times that, making the drug essentially non-toxic. There have been only a few cases of possible overdose where people ingested extremely large amounts of the drug (Allen et al., 1978; Griggs et al., 1977). LSD can be administered a number of ways, the most common: orally through paper, sugar cubes, on a piece of gelatin, or by pill; intravenously; or intramuscularly. A standard dose withnoticeable hallucinogenic effects is about 100-200 ug. The intensity of the trip is proportional to the size of the dose -- it is interesting to note, though, that the duration of the trip seems to stay the same at higher doses (Freedman, 1984). The initial effects begin 20-40 minutes with a sense of euphoria and dizziness. Hallucinations then begin to occur, with the trip peaking for 4-5 hours after about an hour since the drug is taken. LSD is best described as a drug that strikes down barriers. The person who uses LSD is likely to feel detached from his/her ego, and can cross between states of consciousness. The user's perceptions are altered, causing visual and auditory hallucinations. One may notice that the walls of room are "breathing" or that motionless curtains appear to be moving. Senses appear to mix: a user might see music, taste colors, or hear visual stimuli. The LSD experience is often difficult to describe by users -- words lose meaning and ... ... middle of paper ... ...s. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. 130:30-40. · Freedman, D.X. (1984): LSD: The bridge from human to animal. In: Jacobs, B.L. (Ed.) Hallucinogens: Neurochemical, Behavioral, and Clinical Perspectives. New York: Raven Press. · Griggs, E.A. & Ward, M. (1977): LSD toxcity: A suspected cause of death. J. Ky. Med. Assoc. 75:172-173. · Hoffer, A. (1970): Treatment of psychosis with LSD. In Gamage, J.R. & Zerkin, E.L. Hallucinogenic Drug Research. Beloit, Wisconsin: Stash Press. · Loughman, W.D., Sargent, T.W. & Israelstam, D.M. (1967, 27 October): Leukocytes of humans exposed to lysergic acid diethylamide: lack of chromosomal damage. Science. 158:508-510. · Ludwig, A. (1970): LSD treatment in alcoholism. In Gamage, J.R. & Zerkin, E.L. Hallucinogenic Drug Research. Beloit, Wisconsin: Stash Press. · Pahnke, W.N., Kurland, A.A., Unger, S., Savage, C. & Grof, S. (1970): The experimental use of psychedelic (LSD) psychotherapy. In Gamage, J.R. & Zerkin, E.L. Hallucinogenic Drug Research. Beloit, Wisconsin: Stash Press. · Vardy, N.M. & Kay, S.R. (1983): LSD psychosis or LSD-induced schizophrenia? A multi-method inquiry. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry. 40:877-83.
A psychedelic drug is one that alters the brains perception and cognition. Drugs of this sort can cause visual hallucinations. People have said it feels as though everything is alive, breathing, dancing. Of course, like any drug, there is the possibility of having a “bad trip.” This is where things seemingly go wrong. The person tripping feels trapped, frightened, and extremely uncomfortable. The
LSD-25 or Lysergic Acid Diethylamide was first synthesized and used by pharmaceutical chemist Albert Hoffman. LSD-25 is an illegal drug belonging to the hallucinogen category. The physical effects are eye enlargement, pupil dilation and sweating. However the common psychological effects are euphoria, no recollection of time, visual distortions, and mentally visualizing geometric patterns and shapes, which lasts about 6-9 hours or sometimes longer. Though non-addictive LSD-25 can induce anxiety, paranoia, negative perceptions such as frightening visuals and sounds, feelings of insanity, and produce long-term effects such as flashbacks.
You may ask, what is LSD? LSD is a type of acid or known by its scientific name Lysergic Acid Diethylamide which is a psychedelic. It was discovered by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1943. Although researched, scientist could not find a medical use for it.
2)Strassman, R. Human Hallucinogenic Drug Research: Regulatory, Clinical and Scientific Issues. Brain Res. 162. 1990.
Psychedelic drugs affect more then creativity, they are also known to have the ability to increase the users sense of spirituality and religion. In the academic journal, “Voice of The Psychonauts,” author Levente Moro explores the correlation between spirituality, and psychedelic drug use. He claims that when psychedelic drugs are taken in a “supportive” environment they have the ability to induce “deeply meaningful religious revelations and spiritual awakenings” (Moro et al. 190). Psychedelic drug use in hopes of spiritual revelations is not new, and has actually been going on for hundreds of years. The Native American Church has been known to traditionally use psychedelic drugs for spiritual experiences (Moro et al. 190). Some Mexican tribes are also known to ingest psilocybin mushrooms in order to induce religious awakenings (Moro et al. 190). To further prove his argument, Levente Moro conducted an online survey amongst 667 random people. His results suggested that people still take psychedelic drugs in order to have religious experiences, even though it is looked down upon in certain religious groups (Moro et al. 195). Levente Moro is not the only one interested in psychedelic drugs and religion. Many other scientists have also examined this theory. In the article, “Values and Beliefs of Psychedelic Drug Users,” author Michael Lerner also discusses the relationship between psychedelic drug use and spirituality. Lerner also believes that when psychedelic drugs are taken with the correct mindset, they have the ability to increase ones sense of religion. In order to test his theory, Michael Lerner had 183 volunteers fill out a questionnaire. Even though he conducted the survey amongst people from all over the world...
On April 16, 1943, Dr. Hoffman decided to do further research with the LSD compound (Dye, 1992 p. 5). While handling the drug, he accidentally ingested an unknown amount. Then he experienced the world’s first LSD trip. About eight hours later Hoffman drifted back into normal reality and the Psychedelic Revolution was born. (Encarta 98) Three days later, in an attempt to prove that the previous episode was indeed caused by the ingestion of LSD, Dr. Hoffman ingested what he thought would be a small quantity of LSD, 250 micrograms. In actuality, this is approximately five times the dosage necessary to produce heavy hallucinations in the average adult male (Solomon, 1964, p. 34). The drug produced effects that were much more intense than the first time Hoffman took the LSD. He noted that he felt unrest, dizziness, visual disturbances, a tendency to laugh at inappropriate times, and a difficulty in concentration (Dye, 1992, p.7). Dr. Hoffman’s condition improved six hours after taking the drug, although visual disturbances and distortion continued.
LSD stands for Iysergic acid diethylamide. LSD is a hallucinate know to be the most powerful drug of this kind. LSD is commonly known as acid. This drug changes a person’s mental state by distorting the perception of reality to the point where at high doses hallucination occurs. Acid is derived from a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It is semi-synthetic. It’s manufactured chemically in illicit laboratories, except for a small percent, which is produced legally for research.
Hofmann, A. (1970, January 1). The Discovery of LSD. The Discovery of LSD. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from http://www.psychedelic-library.org/hofmann.htm
...lways chance for danger with any psychoactive substance when judgment is altered, the false sense of reality may lead to misconception and horrible decisions which may be life threatening. This goes for even the healthiest of trippers. There are extreme precautions when deciding one is ready or the right candidate for LSD, and It is strongly advised against for certain individuals. There are also things that we know about the setting and circumstances in the use of LSD that can be strong factors for a bad experience.
In the early 1900s MDMA was developed in Germany to synthesize other pharmaceuticals. Virtually dormant until 1953, MDMA was researched--and used--by a former pesticide chemist named Alexander Shulgin. Shulgin was on a quest for the ideal psychoactive drug but was frustrated by the regulations and required trials mandated before a medication could be produced; he quit working on this drug because of these restrictions(“History of Ecstasy (MDMA)”). Some psychiartrics began using MDMA during the 1970’s as a psychotherapeutic tool, even the the drug had never recieved formal clinical trials or go...
Since the 1930’s LSD has been a topic of discussion. LSD is known as one of the most controversial drugs ever created. Everything about the drug is mysterious and does not follow the norm of society. Users of LSD are people from solid middle- and upper-class backgrounds. They have many opportunities to pursue higher education and to have successful careers (Petechuk 9). To most, this statistic would seem unearthly, but LSD is notorious for giving keen insights to life, which is the main interest for consumers. The components of LSD are lysergic acid and diethylamide. LSD is often classified as a synthetic drug because it is produced only in a laboratory (Petechuk 10). Addiction is a recurrence for many drugs with the exception of LSD. “LSD is not considered an addictive drug because it does not produce the same compulsive drug-seeking behavior as cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, alcohol, or nicotine” (Everything).
The most common was LSD, a chemical discovered in 1943 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. LSD let people look at things with the different angle their psychedelic trance allowed them. LSD was originally available in tablet form, but once it was declared illegal they started looking for new ways to use it such as; liquid acid, via oral, in the eyeball, or mucous
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is categorized as a hallucinogen, psychedelic, and a psychotomimetic. LSD is not as commonly used like nicotine and heroin but is still prevalent in the world today. This drug has been around for many years taking users to different worlds and giving a whole new sight on the world around us. Despite the fact LSD is an illegal drug, without it certain movies, songs, and art would not be around that many people know and love today. Many drugs do not have much of a benefitting effect, but LSD does have a few, along with some bad effects as well. Ever since the creation of LSD, scientists have been gaining knowledge of the effects it has on the human body and also the effects on society once it was released to the public.
My mother always said, “Everyone acknowledges the dangers of drugs, but people still do them, and I can not grasp why”. Well in this research paper I will discuss the dangers of three different drugs, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. More specifically, Cocaine, Alcohol, and LSD(Acid). 25% of American adults ages 26-34 have tried cocaine at least once in their life (Cocaineaddiction.ws). In 2006, there were more than 1.2 million emergency room visits and 2.7 million physician office visits due to excessive drinking(Bouchery EE, Harwood HJ, Sacks JJ, Simon CJ, Brewer RD.). And 5.90 adults from the age of 18-25 have used LSD in their lifetime(Office of National Drug Control Policy).It is important to know about these drugs because not only can it affect you, it can affect your neighbor, therefore the more educated you are on these subjects and risk factors the better off you are.
... brain works, and you become very aware of that fact after the first couple hours. It's easy to get tired of it and want reality back, even for just a little while. People can get pretty worked up about just wanting reality back, and I suspect quite a few bad trips have happened that way. Traci didn't get bad, but she was exasperated with not being able to sleep or study or do anything productive. At one point she laid down and tried to sleep for a long time - at least it seemed like a long time to me, it may have just been 15 minutes. I tried to humor her and lay down beside her quietly. When she gave up and got back out of bed she was angry, pissed at the drug for not letting her sleep, pissed at me for giving her the drug, pissed at herself for taking it. We were up until the sunrise, and she made her peace with the LSD before it was over. Even so, she doesn't want to do it again.