The Harmful Effects of LSD
Physical Effects
- Dilated pupils
- Higher or lower body temperature
- Sweating, chills or goose bumps
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeplessness
- Dry mouth
- Tremors
Mental Effects
- Delusions
- Visual or auditory (hearing) hallucinations
- An artificial sense of euphoria or certainty
- Distortion of one’s sense of time and identity
- Impaired depth perception
- Impaired time perception
- Severe, terrifying thoughts and feelings
- Distorted perception of objects, movements, color, sounds, touch and the user’s own body image
- Fear of losing control
- Panic attacks
- Flashbacks or a recurrence of the LSD trip, often without warning, long after taking LSD
- Severe depression or psychosis
I started drinking at the age of 15. Then I progressed to taking Ecstasy, speed, cocaine and LSD.
“I found it difficult to hold down a job and became depressed and thought I would never overcome my obsession with drugs. I attempted suicide twice by overdosing on pills. I was put under psychiatrists, who gave me even more drugs, antidepressants and tranquilizers, which just made matters worse.
“As an outlet for my feelings, I turned to self‑harm—I started cutting and burning myself.” —Justin
After taking the acid, I imagined that we had driven head-on into an 18-wheeler and were killed. I could hear the screeching metal, then a dark and evil quiet. I was terrified at this point—I actually thought we were dead. For a year, I wouldn’t go into any cemetery because I was terrified I would find my own grave.” —Jenny
For a person on LSD, which is often taken in tab form (below), an intense, altered state transforms into dissociation and despair. Often there is no stopping bad trips, which can go on for up to 12 hours.
At 13 years of age, I took my first drink and soon after was introduced to marijuana. Then LSD quickly fell into my hands and I became addicted, eating it like candy.
“One night during one of my binges, I blacked out and awoke with blood all over my face and vomit coming out of my mouth. By some miracle, I pulled myself awake and cleaned myself up. I got into the car, shaking, and drove to my parents’ house. I climbed into bed with my mom and cried.
“By the age of 21, I checked into my first rehab.” —Donna
How much do you really know about LSD?
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