Q: What is LSD?
A: LSD is the most powerful of the group of drugs known as hallucinogens. The name LSD is an abbreviation for the drug's chemical name (lysergic acid diethylamide). The most common street names for LSD are “blotter,” “window pane” and “acid.”
Q: What does LSD look like?
A: LSD is generally sold in the form of little squares of paper (slightly smaller than a postage stamp) that have been soaked in LSD. These squares of paper are often called “tabs.” LSD can also be a liquid, pill or capsule.
Q: How do people use LSD?
A: In its most common forms (liquid, soaked into paper, pills or capsules), it is swallowed. But LSD can also be injected or inhaled.
Q: What does LSD do the body?
A: LSD increases blood pressure and heart rate. It also raises body temperature and makes the pupil in the eye larger. These physical changes are the first thing users feel and may cause numbness, weakness and a lack of co-ordination.
Q: What other effects does LSD have?
A: The effects vary from person to person, and a lot depends on the strength of the LSD. In general, the effects start within an hour of taking LSD and can last as long as 12 hours.
Like all hallucinogens, LSD affects the senses. Users may hallucinate (see, hear or feel things that don’t really exist). Hallucinogens also influence emotions and the ability to think clearly.
Some users experience a sense of wonder and joy. Others might get scared and anxious. (This called having a “bad trip.”) They can also feel as they are outside their body and able to watch themselves.
Q: What is a flashback?
A: A flashback is when someone feels the effects of LCD even though they haven’t used it recently. LSD can cause flashbacks days, weeks or months after people have used it.
Q: Is LSD addictive?
A: If a person uses LSD every day for three or four days, the drug will no longer have any effect on their mind. Taking more of the drug will have no effect. After several days of not using LSD, the effects of the drug can be felt again.
This generally means that people do not come to rely on the drug. However, some people develop a strong desire for the mental effects of the drug, which can make it hard to stop using LSD.
