Acid (Lysergic Acid Diethalymide), or LSD, was first discovered by Dr Albert Hoffmann in Switzerland in 1938. It is one of the most potent mind-altering chemicals known. The effective dose being measured in micrograms, rather than milligrams as is common with other drugs.
LSD comes on small pieces of blotter with distinctive, often cartoon-based designs and names like - Purple Ohms, Geminis, Strawberries, Batman's, Bart Simpsons - dosage and quality vary sharply according to type, but even within one type quality is still variable. These small squares ("Trips" or "Caps") are assumed to be one dose - they can be cut up into halves, quarters or even smaller. First time users should be careful about taking a whole trip: rather try a fraction. Try not to be greedy with acid - it may look harmless but can really blow your mind away. Some people experience much stronger effects than others, no one seems to now why.
LSD can also be found in the form of 'microdots', which are known for being extra-strong and 'heavy' as regards their effect as well. It comes in liquid form as well: Liquid A, which is normally a drop of liquid sealed in a straw.
As with most drugs, people's experience of acid tends to be very individual. Effects begin about 30-60 minutes after ingestion, and the ‘trip' can last for anything from 5 to 24 hours, although 8 - 12 hours is most common. Effects include a rush of thoughts, wild free association and visual effects such as intensified colours, distorted shapes and sizes and slight movements in stationary objects.
Mixing or distortion of the senses can occur, as well as changes in sense of time and place. It significantly alters perception, mood, and psychological processes, and can impair motor coordination, judgement and skills. The trip tends to get more intense after 2 to 4 hours. The experiences may be pleasurable or upsetting.
You should remember that the effects you experience are due to the action of the drug on your brain and are not real, although you could forget this while tripping. True hallucinations (seeing things that aren't really there) are rare, as LSD alters or distorts what already exists. However, some of these distortions might seem strange or surprising and can cause fear or panic. Anyone with psychological problems should not take LSD since pathological conditions may be intensified and in extreme cases have even led to suicide. There is also some evidence that it can cause the early onset of schizophrenia-like disorders, but this has not been proven.
The "speedy" quality of LSD is due to the actions of LSD itself , and not necessarily due to impurities. It can cause effects such a sweating, nervousness, jaw grinding and insomnia. It can also cause Nausea, but this normally passes.
Like MDMA, there's no point in taking acid continually because you won't get the same effect: tolerance (resistance to the drug's effects) builds up rapidly. Your brain needs time to rest and replenish itself. Make sure you don't have anything important planned for the next day. It may be difficult to sleep after a trip.
Serious damage caused directly by acid is rare, however, it can cause a severe anxiety reaction: a Bad Trip. This can happen if you are worried, scared or upset about something before taking it, or if something frightening suddenly happens while you're tripping (like violence, a car crash or getting arrested!). The feelings can grow in an overwhelming manner. The key factors are your mood, who you are with and where you are. The effect of Acid wears off in time, but this can take several hours.
If you are tripping in a club, you may experience a great place full of happy dancing people, or you may find the music lights and crowd frightening.
LSD is a powerful drug and you should take care of yourself after taking it.
Staying Safe:
* make sure you take it with someone you know and trust, preferably someone who has used it before and knows how strong the effects can be;
* make sure you are somewhere where you feel safe, secure and comfortable;
* help friends who are having a bad trip - see the Bad Trip chapter for details;
*Avoid taking LSD if you are upset, feeling low or insecure - this could lead to a bad trip;
*Avoid taking more. The effects come on stronger after a while, and you could end up having a much stronger trip than you can handle;
* if you're having a bad time avoid flashing lights and visuals, get a friend to take you to a chill out space, outside or to a RaveSafe stand.
See also:Disclaimer This Guide is provided for informational purposes ONLY. RaveSafe, it's volunteers and its sponsors do not condone or advocate the use of illegal substances. RaveSafe accepts NO responsibility for the way the information in this used, nor for any harm that might occur from the use of the information contained in this document. Although a concerted effort has been made to ensure the validity of the information contained in this document, no guarantees or assurances of accuracy are provided by anyone. Read and act at your own risk.