What it is

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most commonly used hallucinogens in New Zealand, and is most commonly sold as ‘tabs’, or small squares of blotting paper that have been soaked in liquid LSD. It is less commonly sold in liquid, tablet or capsule form, or in squares of gelatine. Tiny LSD tablets or capsules are often called ‘microdots’ which usually measure only 2-3mm in diameter. LSD in its pure form is colourless, odourless, mildly bitter and usually in the form of white powder.

Mostly taken orally, LSD's effects are highly variable and unpredictable. They begin within one hour and generally last between eight to12 hours. LSD causes distortions in a person's perception of reality. Sensations and feelings can change dramatically and the user may feel several different emotions at once or swing rapidly from one emotion to another.

Slang

Acid, Trips, Paper, Microdots, Angry paper, Sugar cubes, Blotters, Gelatine squares, L, Sheets, Tabs

Health effects

Short-term effects

LSD produces many physical and psychological short- and long-term effects which are unpredictable and can vary between people and from occasion to occasion.

Short-term effects include:

• blurred vision
• dilated pupils
• increased blood pressure
• rapid heart beat
• irregular breathing
• euphoria
• a sense of relaxation and wellbeing
• hallucinations, distorted sensory, emotional, space and time perception
• distorted thinking, confusion, trouble concentrating and maintaining attention
• anxiety, paranoia, feelings of panic
• nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
• dizziness
• poor coordination
• increased body temperature leading to chills, hot and cold flushes
• numbness.

Bad trip and come down

A ‘bad trip’ is when the effects of LSD are particularly intense or unexpected, or simply experienced as negative by the user.

A bad trip can be very unpleasant and include hallucinations of spiders crawling on the skin, losing control of emotions and feelings of ’going crazy’. Panic can lead to risky behaviour such as running across a busy street or jumping from heights.

Usually the negative effects wear off. However it has been known for users to experience hallucinations, bizarre behaviours and paranoia for several days after using the drug. Occasionally these effects can last weeks or months. 

Long-term effects

Flashbacks are the most common long-term effect of LSD use, and can occur days, weeks or even years after using the drug. Some people re-experience the effects. Flash backs can be sparked off by the use of other drugs, stress, fatigue, or physical exercise. They are usually visual and can last a minute or two.

There is some evidence that heavy use of LSD can impair memory and concentration. Using LSD may increase the risk of certain people developing severe mental disturbances.

Some people might experience ’drug-induced psychosis’ after using LSD. This is when the effects of the drug become prolonged and unwanted, involving hallucinations, delusions and bizarre behaviour. These episodes can last several hours, and for some people even longer.

Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Dependence and addiction

LSD does not appear to be physically addictive, though users can become psychologically dependent. Regular users may feel compelled to use it to function effectively or feel good in certain situations – such as at parties or on occasions when they would normally use the drug.

Tolerance to the hallucinogenic effects of LSD can build rapidly if used repeatedly over several days. However tolerance quickly subsides once regular use has stopped.

There is little evidence that people experience physical withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking LSD.

Overdose

High doses of LSD will increase the negative effects of the drug. Death due to overdose of LSD is extremely rare. When deaths have occurred it has usually been due to suicide, dangerous behaviour and accidents related to its hallucinogenic effects.

Law and penalities

LSD is illegal in New Zealand and is classified as a Class A drug scheduled under the Misuse of Drug Act 1975. This means it attracts the highest penalties possible for manufacture, sale, and use.

Manufacturing, importing, supplying or dealing LSD can attract a maximum sentence of life in jail. Conspiracy to commit an offence, manufacturing, importing, or supplying it can attract up p to 14 years imprisonment. Possession of LSD can attract up to six months imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Drug trends

In the 2010 Illicit Drugs Monitoring System report the majority (49 percent) of regular drug users said it was ‘easy’ to access LSD and a single tab or trip of LSD cost around $40. A record amount of LSD was seized by Police in 2009, possibly indicating a resurgence in its popularity due to the declining purity of ecstasy in New Zealand.

According to the latest Drug Use in New Zealand Survey 2007/2008 published in 2009:

• 7.3 percent of 16- to 64-year-olds have ever used LSD. The median age of first time use was 19
• 1.3 percent of 16- to -64-year-olds used LSD in the previous 12 months. European males were significantly more likely to have used it
• those aged 18 to 24 were more likely to have used LSD in the past 12 months
• Two out of three past year users used once or twice in the past year and one out of four used three to11 times in the past year.

Reducing the harm

The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.

If someone who has taken LSD is experiencing a bad trip, take them to a quiet, safe place. Speak calmly and confidently to them, reassuring them that what they are experiencing are the temporary effects of the drug, and that it will stop. Stay with the person, keeping them calm until the initial effects of the drug wear off.

Do not combine LSD with other drugs including alcohol. This can trigger unpredictable effects such as bad trips.

How to get help

If you feel you or anyone you know needs help, there are a number of treatment organisations you can contact in strict confidence.

DrugHelp is a uniquely New Zealand website for people looking for help with their own or someone else’s drug use. DrugHelp shares the stories, experiences, insight and hope of people who have been there – people who have abused drugs and found a way through. www.drughelp.org.nz

The Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797) provides free and confidential support for any person concerned about their own or another person's alcohol or drug use. When you call you will talk to an experienced counsellor who is there to listen. You can trust the helpline to provide you with confidential and non-judgemental help when you need it.

The helpline is open from 10am-10pm, every day.

What to do in a crisis

If someone overdoses, becomes unwell, or has a bad reaction to LSD or any other drug, do not hesitate to get emergency medical assistance. A quick response could save their life:

• Dial 111 and ask for Ambulance. Do not wait to see if the person comes right on their own.

• Stay with the person until medical help arrives. Find out if anyone on the scene knows mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Have them stand by in case the person stops breathing or you can no longer detect a pulse.
• Ensure the person has sufficient air. Ask crowds to stand back, open windows, and loosen any tight clothing.
• If the person is unconscious roll them onto their side into the recovery position so they won’t choke if they vomit. Tilt their head back slightly to ensure their tongue does not obstruct their airway.
• If the person stops breathing apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, if you cannot detect a pulse begin CPR.
• When the ambulance arrives give the medics as much information as possible – what drugs were taken, when they were taken, and whether the person has any existing medical conditions.
• Before you go out, know what to do in a crisis.

Links

A list of relevant links to further information and resources about LSD:

www.shore.ac.nz/projects/idms_study.htm  SHORE Illicit Drug Monitoring System report.

www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/drug-use-in-nz-key-results-of-the-0708-nzadus: Drug Use in New Zealand: Key results of the 2007/08 New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use Survey.

http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/drug-facts/hallucinogens The Australian Drug Foundation’s Drug Info Clearinghouse hallucinogens factsheet.