What it is
An hallucinogenic drug made from ergot, a fungus found on rye and grasses. Tiny amounts of LSD liquid are dropped on to paper or gelatine sheets. They are then cut into small squares which often have pictures or designs on. They may look a bit like postage stamps or small transfers. Occasionally LSD is dropped on to sugar cubes or formed into small tablets or capsules.
Street names
Names include acid, tabs and trips plus many others, some of which describe the pictures on the squares.
How it is taken.
Usually swallowed.
Extent of use
LSD was first widely used in the 1960s. Use declined in the 1970s, grew again the late 1980s and early 1990s and then fell again in the late 1990s and early years of this century. Mid 1990s surveys found
10-24% of 16 year olds claiming to have used LSD at least once. Late 1990s figures were around 5% for 15/16 year olds. Regular use is rare. It tends to be used on an occasional basis.
Effects of use
- It effects the senses and the way people experience the world around them.
- A 'trip' begins after about 30 minutes, peaks at 2 to 6 hours and fades within 6 to 12 hours depending on how much has been taken.
- Effects vary greatly depending on the user's mood.
- Effects often involve intensified colours, distorted shapes and sizes, sound distortion and changes in the sense of time and place.
- Users are usually aware that such effects are unreal.
- Effects can be very pleasurable but can also be very frightening, especially if the user already feels panicky or unhappy.
Risks of use
- A bad trip can be very distressing. Users may be very frightened, anxious and feel that other people and even objects are out to get them. They could endanger themselves or other people. This is more common if users are already anxious or depressed.
- Once LSD is taken there is no going back and it may take up to 12 hours to wear off.
- It may be very difficult to know how strong a dose is being taken.
- The disorientating effects can make it dangerous to drive or operate machinery. Judgement may be impaired, making accidents more likely.
- There is no danger of physical dependence or fatal overdose. However, a few people have used it so often that they have become out of touch with the real world.
- Flashbacks can be experienced. This is where people feel they are having a trip some time after they have actually used. This can be very disturbing.
The Law
It is an offence to be in possession of LSD or to supply it to other people. It is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
