LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide is a highly potent hallucinogen, which alerts perception and thoughts.
Signs o ntoxication: Slight increase in body temperature and heart rate, dilation of pupils, vivid sensory distortions including coloured lights and distorted images.
Withdrawal symptoms: No withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ABUSE
- Mind & behavior: Alerts mood and cognitive processes, distortsperceptions; belief in exaggerated God – like powers may occur. Inability to distinguish time or space. In a “bad trip” user may experience terrifying hallucinations, loss of emotional control, panic and anxiety. Suicide or self-injury may be attempted. Long term physiological problems may occur including depression.
- Central Nervous System: Effects include lack of muscle and speech control, unusual sensations, blurred vision.
- Heart & Blood: Slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. At high doses, narrows blood vessels, affecting circulation to brain and other regions.
- Fetus: May lead to spontaneous abortion and fetal abnormalities. Disturbed oxygenation of the fetus can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems in children.
Other Risks: “Flashbacks” may occur several weeks, months or even years after the last dose.