LSD

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) –

Commonly referred to as “acid,” is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that alters perception, mood, and cognition. While not considered physically addictive, LSD is frequently abused for its intense and mind-altering effects, which make it popular among those seeking spiritual, recreational, or experimental experiences.

Abuse of LSD

LSD is typically consumed by placing blotter paper soaked in the drug on the tongue, but it can also be ingested as a liquid, gelatin squares, or in pill form. The effects, known as a “trip,” begin within 30 to 90 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 12 hours. Users abuse LSD for its ability to produce vivid visual hallucinations, heightened sensory perception, altered sense of time, and profound shifts in thought and emotion.

However, the unpredictability of an LSD trip makes its abuse risky. The drug’s effects are highly dependent on the user’s mood, surroundings, and mindset, which can lead to “bad trips” characterized by intense fear, paranoia, confusion, and distressing hallucinations. These experiences can be psychologically traumatic, leaving lasting emotional scars.

Chronic abuse of LSD can result in significant psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and persistent psychosis in some individuals. A rare but serious side effect is hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where users experience flashbacks of hallucinations long after the drug’s effects have worn off.

LSD abuse often occurs in social or party settings, such as music festivals and raves, but it can also be used in isolation. Some individuals abuse LSD repeatedly in an attempt to achieve spiritual insight or escape from reality. Since tolerance to the drug develops quickly, users may take increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects, heightening the risk of dangerous psychological reactions.

Efforts to address LSD abuse focus on education about its risks and providing support for those experiencing adverse effects. While LSD is not typically associated with physical dependence, individuals who misuse it may benefit from therapy to address underlying emotional or psychological factors driving their use.

Understanding the complexities of LSD abuse is essential in promoting informed decision-making and reducing its potential harms.

Cross Reactivity:

• When testing for the presence of LSD, watch out for contributing substances that may result in a false positive reading.
• Always be sure to investigate what other substances your test subject may be taking PRIOR to administering your test.

Call us at 888-822-7120 with any questions on cross-reactive substances interfering with LSD testing