Tabs of LSD (1)
Lysergic acid
diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD is a hallucinogen. Less than a microgram
of LSD is required to induce euphoria, hallucinations, distorted perceptions
and excitement. The average dose needed to experience these effects is around
100 micrograms (2).
Albert Hoffman
first synthesized LSD in 1938 in Switzerland (3). He was working with medicinal
plants when he accidentally created LSD, without knowing it, and the experiment
was placed aside (3). Upon re-examination many years later, he accidentally came
in contact with the substance either by touching his mouth, nose or eye and
noticed the effects of the drug (3). 3 days later he intentionally ingested 250
micrograms of LSD and rode his bicycle home, this being the first intentional
acid trip (3). Some people say that micro doses of LSD could be used as an
alternative to drugs such as Adderall for people with ADHD.
The initial
effects of taking LSD can be unpleasant and can include nausea and vomiting,
and after one to two hours you will start to experience hallucinations and
changes in perception (2). All of these are symptoms but the useful aspect of
LSD applies mostly to the latter effects because if you are going to take it
you are most likely doing it for the spiritual purposes and changes in mindset,
which can be beneficial under the right circumstances. However, there are some
drawbacks, including feelings of insanity. Going into an acid trip with any
negativity could bring on a bad trip.
Effects resulting
from LSD can last up to an entire day, and sense of time and space can be
distorted (2). People predisposed to mental illness such as schizophrenia are
not advised to take LSD because the hallucinogen may induce the illness (2).
Doctors in the 60’s would take LSD to try and understand the mind of a mentally
ill patient. They felt that the experiences brought on by LSD use was what it
felt like to have psychosis, and were able to empathize with patients as a
result.
If you choose to
take LSD, be responsible and don’t panic. As it is an illicit substance, I do
not condone the use of it, however some people would argue that it is
spiritually enlightening.
(1) Lysergic
Acid Diethylamide. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysergic_acid_diethylamide
(accessed April 6, 2016).
(2) Lysergide. In Meyler's
Side Effects of Drugs: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions
and Interactions; J. K. Aronson, M. N. G. Dukes, 15th Eds.;
Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2006; pp 2177-2179.
(3) Albert
Hoffman. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Hofmann (accessed March
25, 2016).
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