Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD (from German Lysergsäure-diethylamid), is a potent psychedelic drug that intensifies thoughts, emotions, and sensory perception.[12] Often referred to as acid or lucy, LSD can cause mystical, spiritual, or religious experiences.[13][14] At higher doses, it primarily induces visual and auditory hallucinations.[15][16] While LSD does not cause physical addiction, it can lead to adverse psychological reactions, such as anxiety, paranoia, and delusions.[7] Additionally, it may trigger "flashbacks," also known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, where individuals experience persistent visual distortions after use.[17][18]
The effects of LSD begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 20 hours, with most trips averaging 8–12 hours.[19][20] It is synthesized from lysergic acid and commonly administered via tabs of blotter paper.[21] LSD is mainly used recreationally or for spiritual purposes.[19][22] As a serotonin receptor agonist, LSD's precise effects are not fully understood, but it is known to alter the brain’s default mode network, leading to its powerful psychedelic effects.[12][23][24]
Despite its legal restrictions, LSD remains influential in scientific and cultural contexts. Its therapeutic potential has been explored, particularly in treating mental health disorders.[12][27] As of 2017, about 10% of people in the U.S. had used LSD at some point, with 0.7% having used it in the past year.[28] Usage rates have risen, with a 56.4% increase in adult use in the U.S. from 2015 to 2018.[29]
^Halpern JH, Suzuki J, Huertas PE, Passie T (June 7, 2014). "Hallucinogen Abuse and Dependence". In Price LH, Stolerman IP (eds.). Encyclopedia of Psychopharmacology A Springer Live Reference. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. pp. 1–5. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-27772-6_43-2. ISBN978-3-642-27772-6. Hallucinogen abuse and dependence are known complications resulting from ... LSD and psilocybin. Users do not experience withdrawal symptoms, but the general criteria for substance abuse and dependence otherwise apply. Dependence is estimated in approximately 2 % of recent-onset users
^Cite error: The named reference NHM-MDMA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ abcdeCite error: The named reference Dol2015 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Halpern JH, Lerner AG, Passie T (2018). A Review of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) and an Exploratory Study of Subjects Claiming Symptoms of HPPD. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences. Vol. 36. pp. 333–360. doi:10.1007/7854_2016_457. ISBN978-3-662-55878-2. PMID27822679.
^Chwelos N, Blewett DB, Smith CM, Hoffer A (September 1959). "Use of d-lysergic acid diethylamide in the treatment of alcoholism". Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol. 20 (3): 577–590. doi:10.15288/qjsa.1959.20.577. PMID13810249.
^United States Congress House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce Subcommittee on Public Health and Welfare (1968). Increased Controls Over Hallucinogens and Other Dangerous Drugs. U.S. Government Printing Office. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2021.