LSD is a potent hallucinogen that has a high potential for abuse and currently has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.

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Origin 

LSD is produced in clandestine laboratories in the United States.

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Common Street Names

Acid, Dots, Mellow Yellow, and Window Pane

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What does it look like?

LSD is an odorless and colorless substance with a slightly bitter taste. LSD is available in saturated absorbent paper (e.g., blotter paper, divided into small, decorated squares, with each square representing one dose), tablets or “micro dots,” saturated sugar cubes, or in a liquid form.

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Effect on the Body

Dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors

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How is it abused?

LSD is abused orally.

 

Effect on the mind?

During the first hour after ingestion, users may experience visual changes with extreme changes in mood. While hallucinating, the user may suffer impaired depth and time perception accompanied by distorted perception of the shape and size of objects, movements, colors, sound, touch, and the user’s own body image.

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The ability to make sound judgments and see common dangers is impaired, making the user susceptible to personal injury. It is possible for users to suffer acute anxiety and depression after an LSD “trip.” Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, which may include fragmentary recurrences of certain aspects of the drugexperience or “flashbacks” have been reported days, and even months, after taking the last dose.

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Overdose Effects

Longer, more intense “trip” episodes, psychosis, and possible death

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Which drugs cause similar effects?

LSD’s effects are similar to other hallucinogens, such as PCP, mescaline, and peyote.

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What is its legal status in the United States?

LSD is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I substances have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.