Primary Behavior Changes and Cide Effects of LSD

Primary Behavior Changes and Cide Effects of LSD

LSD (D lysergic acid diethylamide) is a very potent synthetic

hallucinogen. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, found in ergot,

which is a fungus that grows on grains. In its original form, LSD is a

white or clear, odorless, water soluble crystal that can be crushed into

a powder and dissolved. LSD goes by the street name “acid” or

“blotter” and is sold in tablets, capsules and sometimes liquid form.

Oftentimes LSD is added to absorbent paper and sold in individual

squares or “doses” which are then dissolved on the tongue.

LSD is an extremely potent mood changing chemical. A person’s

subjective world changes drastically once LSD is taken (Blacker,

Jones, Stone, & Pfefferbaum, 1968). Users refer to their experience

with LSD as a “trip.” These experiences generally begin about 30 to 90

minutes after taking the drug, and last from 6 to 12 hours. LSD is

sometimes described as a drug that breaks down barriers, but the

results of taking LSD are complex and variable. Every trip is different

and users show a wide range of reactions (Terrill, 1964). The first

signs of LSD are usually physical, and can include dilated pupils,

salivation, sweating and nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness,

tremors, dry mouth, chills, raised body temperature, rapid heartbeat

and elevated blood pressure. As the trip progresses, one’s mood,

perceptions and sensations become affected (Palfai & Jankiewicz,

2001).

In the first phase of the trip there may be abnormal body

sensations, changes in mood, space and time distortions and visual

hallucinations (Palfai & Jankiewicz, 2001). Time may seem to stand

still, or race forward or backward...

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... lasting LSD

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