What is it?
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
Psychedelic /Hallucinogenic
Has been studied as an aid for a variety of conditions, including psychiatric therapy and treatment of chronic pain
In its original state it is a crystal - not sold in this form
Pure LSD is nearly tasteless and colorless
Effects
The experience of LSD (the “trip”) can be broken down into four phases:
ONSET approx 30 min after consumption, colors begin to look sharper, moving objects leave trails behind them, surfaces may appear to “breathe”
PLATEAU Over the next hour or so, effects become more intense. Imaginary visions can appear from nowhere.
PEAK time is slowed down, users may feel as if they are in a movie or a different world. This can be a pleasant, mystical experience for some, while others may find this frightening.
COMEDOWN 5-6 hours after taking the drug the sensations begin to subside. After 8 hours, the trip is typically over, some lingering effects may last until after sleep.
Consumption
Typically found absorbed into tiny pieces of paper (blotter); sometimes found as a pure liquid or absorbed into a sugar cube
Almost always swallowed
Dosage
A typical dose is between 25-500 micrograms (less than 1/10 the mass of a grain of sand)
Because of how LSD is sold (pre-measured and absorbed) it is difficult to know the amount of LSD present in a single dose.
Harm Reduction
LSD can produce extreme anxiety states/panic attacks; both while under the influence of the drug and afterwards (ie. flashbacks). However, flashbacks are rare with LSD and may be caused by other non-drug related experiences.
LSD can trigger underlying mental problems and produce delusions, paranoia, and other schizophrenia-like symptoms
There are many chemicals sold as “LSD”, most - but not all - of these substances have a noticeably bitter taste (ie. those in the NBOMe family)
Set & Setting are important to consider with all psychedlic substances
“set” is the mental state a person brings into the experience - mood, thoughts, expectations, etc
“setting” is the physical/social environment where the drug is being consumed
By making sure that you/others are in a good mental state & a supportive, safe location before taking LSD, the risk of having a difficult trip can be greatly reduced!
Difficult Trip
Take the person to quiet surroundings where they feel comfortable
Reassure them that you are there to support them; dont leave them alone
Ensure them that their panic is caused by the drug they took and that this feeling will wear off in a few hours, maybe even less time than that
For more info on LSD check out https://dancesafe.org/lsd/