How Does LSD Work? Mechanism, Impact & Scientific Applications
In general, LSD stands for Lysergic acid diethylamide which is the generic name. It is also known as lysergide and sold in the market under almost 80 odd street names. These names include blotter, acid, dots, windowpane, mellow yellow, dozes, trips, and also names like purple dragon denoting the design it makes on blotting paper. Back in 1938, LSD was first synthesized as an extremely effective and strong hallucinogen. It is made from lysergic acid synthetically. It is a type of acid found on fungus growing on grains such as rye and known as ergot. The doses of LSD usually tend to be in the microgram range because of its exceptional potential and effectiveness. It is exceptionally strong amongst various other drugs.
What is LSD?
As already stated LSD stands for Lysergic acid diethylamide. The effects of taking LSD drugs are often known as a trip which can be either pleasurable or unpleasant which is known as a bad trip. It can be mind-altering and stimulating at the same time. But some experiences can turn out to be highly disgusting and terrifying. LSD has been declared illegal in the United States of America and also as a Schedule One Drug by the official Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). A Schedule One Drug means that it has no medical treatments accepted currently, can be used for abuse, and needs to be used under the supervision of professionals due to its lack of safety purposes. However, the LSD drug has found its way into various therapeutic uses. It is used to treat depression and alcoholism. Current research is going on how to use LSD for the betterment of medical sciences.
Preparation of LSD
Preparation of LSD meaning how LSD is prepared or found in everyday objects. Initially, it is prepared in crystalline structure and later mixed with other inactive materials. It can also be prepared in a dilute liquid state to prepare ingestible formats. Normally it tastes slightly bitter and is colorless and odorless. The most common form in which it is found in streets is blotter paper. Raw LSD is soaked on blotting paper and cut out into beautiful designs which contain individual dosages in micrograms. It is also found in windowpane form or slim squares of gelatin, pure liquid which is extremely dangerous, sugar cube liquid or tablets, and microcapsules. Some people directly inject LSD into their veins or inhales through their noses. But to know about the exact amount of LSD present in a doze is near to impossible.
Effects of Using LSD
Generally, LSD effects the mind directly by altering the senses. In the brain, it affects the serotonin receptors and hence produces hallucinations which are its basic characteristic effect. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that controls all your actions, senses, mood, behavior and also can modify your thoughts. But LSD use varies from person to person and so do its effects. Usually, after forty minutes of taking the first dose of the drug, the effects start to overpower. It may last up to twelve hours with the peak effect occurring after two to four hours of taking the dose. But if one plans to inject it directly into the veins, then it will produce an immediate action within ten minutes.
Medical Treatments For LSD Usage
Firstly, one needs to find a reliable health care center to monitor their progress. Talk counseling sessions can help or group counseling to help your medical support understand the reason behind your LSD intake. Take your appointments seriously and maintain a proper treatment plan. Trusted friends and family members should also be included in the plan. Eat healthily, treat your stress well and exercise to take care of yourself. Use proper medications to treat depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety as a result of LSD side effects. Finally try to stay away from people who use drugs even if they are friends and find new interests, hobbies to keep yourself distracted.
Did You Know?
Most people are not aware of the LSD full form which is Lysergic acid diethylamide.
The immediate side effects of LSD usage can last up to twenty-four hours and stress, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, hallucinations can last up to months.
It is estimated that almost 5.5 million people of twelve years or above age are suffering from hallucinations as a result of drugging.
About 1.6% of adolescents are LSD addicts.
FAQs on Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD): Key Facts for Biology Students
1. What is Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)?
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, commonly known as LSD or by its slang name 'acid', is a powerful synthetic hallucinogenic drug. It is made from lysergic acid, a chemical found in a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It has no accepted medical use and is known for causing significant changes in perception, thoughts, and feelings.
2. How does LSD produce its effects on the brain?
LSD primarily affects the brain by interacting with the serotonin system. It binds strongly to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. By disrupting the normal function of serotonin, a chemical that helps control your mood, sensory perception, and behaviour, LSD causes the brain's circuits to malfunction. This leads to hallucinations and a distorted sense of reality.
3. What are the common immediate effects of using LSD?
The effects of LSD are unpredictable and can vary greatly. Common immediate effects, often called a 'trip', include:
- Sensory changes: Seeing intense colours, distorted shapes, and experiencing sounds or feelings that are not real (hallucinations).
- Physical effects: Dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, and dry mouth.
- Emotional changes: Rapid and extreme mood swings, ranging from intense happiness (euphoria) to deep fear and anxiety (paranoia).
- Cognitive effects: A distorted sense of time and self.
4. Where does LSD originally come from?
LSD is a semi-synthetic substance. Its precursor, lysergic acid, is a natural compound found in ergot, a fungus that grows on grains like rye. The substance itself, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, does not occur in nature and must be chemically synthesized from this lysergic acid in a laboratory.
5. Why can someone experience 'flashbacks' long after they stop using LSD?
This phenomenon is a medical condition known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed that LSD can cause long-term changes in the brain's sensory and visual processing pathways. These changes can cause a person to suddenly re-experience the visual disturbances of a past LSD trip, even without taking the drug again. These 'flashbacks' can be triggered by stress, fatigue, or other substances.
6. Is the 'acid' in LSD a corrosive chemical that can burn you?
No, this is a common misconception based on its slang name. The 'acid' in LSD refers to its chemical name, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide. It is a psychoactive substance, not a corrosive one. It has no chemical properties that would allow it to burn or damage skin or any other material like a strong industrial or laboratory acid (such as sulfuric acid).
7. How does the strength of LSD compare to other hallucinogens like magic mushrooms?
LSD is one of the most potent hallucinogenic drugs known. It is incredibly powerful and effective in extremely small doses, typically measured in micrograms (millionths of a gram). Its potency by weight is significantly higher than other natural hallucinogens like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) or mescaline (from peyote cactus), meaning a much smaller amount is needed to produce a strong effect.
8. Why does someone need to take more LSD over time to get the same effect?
This happens because the body builds a very rapid tolerance to LSD. When the drug repeatedly stimulates the brain's serotonin receptors, these receptors become less sensitive. As a result, the user must take progressively larger doses to achieve the same intensity of effects. This tolerance develops quickly, often within a few days of use, but also fades quickly after a period of not using the drug.
