COUNCIL ON DRUG ABUSE

THE DRUG FILE

LSD

Street Names

acid
blotters
microdots
trips
holidays
boomers
yellow sunshine

Description
LSD is a hallucinogen, which means that it affects thoughts, perception and consciousness, and induces experiences that are different from regular consciousness. It is thought that LSD acts on the brain by stimulating receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin. However, it is still unclear as to the exact mechanism of how LSD acts on the brain. Its possible effects on serotonin may account for its effects on mood and appetite.

Origin and medical usage
LSD has no accepted medical usage. It is made from lysergic acid, which is found in the ergot fungus found on grains. In 1938, Albert Hoffman first created LSD while doing research on trying to find a medically useful derivative of the ergot fungus. LSD is made today in illegal labs.

Short-term effects
The short-term effects of LSD may include, but are not limited to, mood swings, dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, nausea, sweating, distorted perception of time and self, hallucinations, feelings of power and euphoria, sleep problems and numbness or weakness.

Long-term effects
The long-term effects of LSD may include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, psychosis, decreased motivation, building up tolerance (needing a higher dose to get high), and flashbacks in which a person experiences effects of the drug days, months or years after actually taking the drug.

Withdrawal
No withdrawal symptoms or syndrome are identified. However, after people stop using LSD, they may experience flashbacks or a craving for the drug.

Legal status
Having LSD in your possession is a criminal offence. Trafficking it, having it for the purpose of trafficking, producing it, or importing and exporting it are all criminal offences.

Signs that a person might be using
Signs that a person may be using LSD may include, but are not limited to, dilated pupils, slurred speech, hallucinations, difficulty communicating, acting paranoid or confused, unusual change in mood or behaviour, having a distorted view of time or self, withdrawing from family and friends, anxiety, mood swings, irrational behaviour and a decrease in school or work performance.