Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

LSD can come dropped onto a sugar cube, in capsules, in gelatine sheets, or strips, tablets,

tiny tablets (microdots) and on blotting paper. Almost all LSD sold in the UK in recent years

has been on blotting paper or cardboard sheets cut into 5mm squares with printed images.

WHAT IS LSD?

• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is an hallucinogenic or psychedelic drug.
• LSD costs £3-£4 for a `trip'.

HOW IS LSD USED?

LSD is almost always swallowed.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF LSD?

The LSD experience is usually described as a `trip' because it is like a journey to another place. This experience may be broken up into four `phases':

THE ONSET - Thirty minutes to an hour after being taken, colours appear sharper, moving objects leave traces behind them. Repeated patterns may be seen with eyes closed.

THE PLATEAU - Over the second hour, the effects become more intense. Patterns are visible with eyes open. Fantastic visions can appear from nowhere - from shapes in smoke to lines on the palms of the hand.

THE PEAK - Time is slowed almost to a standstill. Trippers may feel they are in a different world. For some this is profound and mystical, but it can be very frightening for others.

THE COMEDOWN - Five or six hours after taking the drug the sensations begin to subside. After eight hours, the trip is usually over, although some residual effects may remain until after sleep.

WHAT CAN I DO IF SOMEBODY IS HAVING A `BAD TRIP'?

• Take the person to quiet surroundings where they feel comfortable.
• Find a friend who can reassure them.
• Stress that the panic is caused by the drug. It will wear off in a few hours.
• Tell them to try to relax and go with the flow.
• If they become uncontrollable or hysterical, call a doctor or take them to a hospital. Remember though, hospital can make people more anxious and panicky, so use this as last resort.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS ASSOCIATED WITH LSD?

• LSD can trigger underlying mental problems and produce delusions, paranoia and schizophrenia-like states.
• It can also produce extreme anxiety states or panic attacks, not only while under the influence of the drug, but for some time after.
• LSD use may result in changes in the personality of the user.
• LSD can impair judgement. users should not drive or operate machinery while under the influence of LSD.

LSD IS AGAINST THE LAW

• Possession is punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
• Supply of LSD (which may include giving a dose to a friend) is punishable by life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
• LSD stays in the urine for 2-3 days.