Pick Your Poison

LSD Overview:

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide is the most common hallucinogen. It is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals that is known. The drug is created from the lysergic acid, which is found in ergot. Ergot is a fungus that grows on grains, such as rye. LSD is usually found in the form of small squares of "blotter" paper (pictured above). These squares are also called "tabs" and typically have designs printed on them. LSD can also be found in the form of a clear liquid or squares of gelatin. LSD is typically taken orally, however the liquid and gelatin forms can be insert by the eyes. Street names for LSD include doses, acid, hits, microdots, tabs, sugar cubes, and trips ("Lsd," 2013).

Medicinal Use:

Currently, there is research being conducted about possible medicinal use of LSD. At the University of California at San Francisco and Harvard University, studies are underway for the use of LSD as an aid in the medical setting, for things such as chronic headaches and psychiatric uses. Also, in Switzerland, researchers were studying the use of LSD to relieve issues suffered by people with extreme anxiety, such as those suffering from a life-ending illness (Biddle, 2010).

Side Effects:

The effects of LSD are unpredictable and can vary depending on the amount consumed, the personality of the user, their moods and expectations, and the environment ("Lsd," 2013). Effects of the drug are possible 30-90 minutes after taking it. Taking LSD is referred to as a "trip" and a negative experience is considered a "bad trip." These effects could be longer if the dose is higher, lasting 10-12 hours at most ("Lsd: Consumer information," 2013).

Short term:

Short term physical effects of LSD include an increase of body temperature, dilation of the pupils a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, loss of appetite, restlessness, tremors, and dry mouth. However, the sensations and feelings from the drugs is stronger than the physical effects. Rapid changes through emotions is likely. If taken in larger amounts, LSD can also cause delusions and hallucinations and the user can lose a sense of time, depth, and self. There is also an effect where sensations cross over, where a user make thing they hear a color or see a sound. The size and shapes of objects may change to the user. These changes could all frighten the user and cause panic ("Lsd," 2013).

Long term:

LSD is not an addictive drug and does not produce compulsive drug seeking behaviors ("Lsd," 2013). However, users of LSD can build tolerance, causing users to take doses repeatedly or higher ("Lsd: Consumer information," 2013). Users of LSD may experience flashbacks a long time after their experience with the drug ("Lsd," 2013). LSD can also cause acute anxiety and depression and even schizophrenia in the long term ("Lsd: Consumer information," 2013).

Prevalence in the U.S. :

LSD is not a widely used drug and most users just try it once. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that more than 200,000 people use LSD for the first time each year and only 9.7% of the population over the age of 12 has used LSD in their lifetime. Overall, the use of LSD has declined in all ages. However, ages 18-25 are still most likely to use it. The NSDUH reports that 12.1% of people ages 18-25 have used LSD at least once ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

History:

LSD was discovered in 1938 by Albert Hofmann, a chemist who was attempting to develop medicines from the fungus ergot. When LSD failed, he set it to the side until 1943, when he discovered that it could create a state of intoxication. One day that he ingested the drug, he rode home on his bicycle and experienced hallucinations and paranoia, followed by relaxation. This day is known is "bicycle day" ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

LSD was brought to the United States in 1948 to be studied for its possible use in psychiatric medicine. When it began to look promising, doctors began to experiment not just medically, but also in a recreational way. Soon, with the help of chemists, LSD was produced in large amounts and distributed for free to young people. In the 1960's it was the drug of choice and was believed to give a positive experience ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

LSD was used by a number of musicians, including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Jimi Hendrix. The popular Beatles song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" is even said to be about LSD, and stand for it. These artists lead to the development of "acid rock," a genre of music that incorporated LSD and the Beatles are credited for making it popular. LSD was also linked to violence in the 1960's, such as the Charles Manson murders ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

The use of LSD declined in the 1980's, yet had a slight come back in the 1990's with its use at parties about drugs and music called raves. However, law enforcement increased and the popularity of raves decreased, causing the drug to fall out yet again. Today, LSD is still used and is still a concern, but it is definitely less prevalent than its history ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

Sanctions for Use:

LSD is considered a Schedule I drug and in 1966, the federal government made LSD illegal. However, it is not banned of use in research (Biddle, 2010).

The following sanctions are current for LSD use (“Federal penalties and,” 2013):
For 1gm or more mixture:

1st Offense:
• Not less than 5 years. Not more than 40 years.
• Supervised release at least 4 years.
• If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years or more than life
• Fine of not more than $5 million individual, $25 million other than individual, or both
2ND OFFENSE
• Not less than 10 years. Not more than life.
• If death or serious injury, life imprisonment.
• Fine of not more than $8 million individual, $50 million other than individual, or both
• Supervised release at least 8 years

For 10gm or more mixture:
1ST OFFENSE
• Not less than 10 years. Not more than life
• If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years or more than life
• Fine of not more than $10 million individual, $50 million other than individual, or both
• Supervised release at least 5 years
2ND OFFENSE
• Not less than 20 years. Not more than life.
• If death or serious injury, life imprisonment
• Fine of not more than $20 million individual, $75 million other than individual, or both
• Supervised release at least 10 years


Treatment Options for Abuse:

Because LSD is not an addictive drug and users do not experience withdrawal, treatment for LSD is very different than treatment for other drugs and is based on psychological treatment, not physical. These treatments may include behavior modification, counseling, or psychological therapy ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

My Thoughts: The Impact on Family and Society:

Overall, I think because LSD is not addictive and not widely used, it does not have a huge impact on family and society. However, when it is used it is very dangerous and can have horrible effects on both. Someone under the influence of LSD can act in outlandish ways and experience some scary things. If LSD were to once again become prevalent in society, it could be a negative effect on families and communities.

References:

Biddle, T. (2010, May 18). Medical uses for lsd. Retrieved from http://www.qualityhealth.com/health-lifestyle-articles/medical-uses-lsd

Federal penalties and sanctions for illegal trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. (2013). Retrieved from http://commonsense.uchicago.edu/page/federal-penalties-and-sanctions-illegal-trafficking-and-possession-controlled-substance

Lsd. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/lsd

Lsd addiction. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.lsdaddiction.us/content/what-is-lsd.html

Lsd: Consumer information. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/lsd.html

Links to Pictures Used:

http://www.norcas.org.uk/youth/drug-info/lsd-youth.aspx

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medudxWluq1qiljkzo1_500.jpg

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/enthusemarc/10708626/188082/188082_original.jpg