LSD: Just the Facts

LSD, also known as acid, is a powerful psychedelic drug – this means people who take it will have a distorted view of reality, time and objects around them.

Being high on psychedelic drugs like LSD is often referred to as ‘tripping’. 

How does LSD make people feel?

Taking the drug can make people: 

• Euphoric 
• Giggly 
• Amazed by the objects around them 
• Hallucinate (see and hear things that aren’t there) 

But it can also cause people to be: 

• Confused 
• Anxious 
• Frightened 
• Overwhelmed 
• Paranoid
• Aggressive, in some circumstances 

LSD trips can be intense, unpredictable and long-lasting. There’s no way of knowing how you will feel or how long the trip might last before you take it.  

Once you start tripping it’s very difficult to control the effects until the drug wears off. LSD can last up to 12 hours, depending on how much you’ve taken and your size. Some people can even experience short-term ‘flashbacks’ months or years after LSD has worn off. 

LSD doses can be unpredictable because the drug itself is usually dropped onto small strips of paper known as ‘tabs’, which are then dissolved in the mouth. Some tabs might be stronger than others, even when purchased from the same place or person. 

Drugs such as LSD can take a couple of hours or more to have an effect. Never take an additional dose of a drug if you’re still waiting for it to take effect. 

Drugs with similar effects to LSD, known as NBOMes, are often much stronger, can be even more unpredictable and sometimes fatal – these are occasionally incorrectly sold as ‘LSD’ by drug dealers. Read more about NBOMEs here.

Sometimes LSD is mixed with other drugs by dealers to reduce costs, which can cause added unpredictable and dangerous effects. 

Mixing LSD with other drugs, including alcohol, can be extremely dangerous and further increase the risk of harm.

Psychedelics such as LSD can have serious long-term effects on mental wellbeing, read more here.

The law

LSD is a Class A drug. This means it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell. 

Possession can get you up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you life in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Like drink driving, driving whilst high is dangerous and illegal. Being caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in a large fine, driving ban and/or prison sentence.  

Some drugs can stay at detectable levels in your system for days or weeks after you’ve taken them. 

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: Talk to Frank - LSD
  
• w: Health for Teens - The effects of psychedelic drugs on mental health
  
• w: Health for Teens - NBOMes