Overview

LSD is a potent hallucinogen that has a high potential for abuse, but currently has an accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.

1. What are the street names?

   Acid, Blotter Acid, Dots, Mellow Yellow, Window Pane

2. What does this drug look like?

   LSD is sold on the street in tablets, capsules, and occasionally in liquid form. It is an odorless and colorless substance with a slightly bitter taste. LSD is often added to absorbent paper, such as blotter paper, and divided into small decorated squares, with each square representing one dose.

3. How is this drug abused?

   LSD is abused orally.

4. How does this drug affect 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. 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” and flashbacks have been reported days, and even months, after taking the last dose.

5. How does this drug affect the body?

   The physical effects include: dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.

6. What drugs cause similar effects?

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

7. What are the overdose effects?

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

8. What is the legal status in the United States?

   LSD is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has 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.

9. What are the common places of origin?

   LSD is produced in clandestine laboratories in the United States.