LSD - Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2024)

What is LSD?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic chemical, made from a substance found in ergot, which is a fungus that infects rye (grain).¹

LSD belongs to a group of drugs known as psychedelics. When small doses are taken, it can produce mild changes in perception, mood and thought. Larger doses may produce visual hallucinations and distortions of space and time.²

Sometimes, what is sold as LSD can actually be other chemicals such as NBOMe or the 2C family of drugs (part of the new psychoactive substances). These can be quite dangerous, as their quality is inconsistent. Taking too much of these other substances can be fatal with a number of deaths having been reported.^{3, 4}

What it looks like

In its pure state, LSD is a white odourless crystalline substance. However, LSD is so potent that an effective dose of the pure drug is so small, it’s virtually invisible. As a result, it’s usually diluted with other materials.²

The most common form is drops of LSD solution dried onto gelatin sheets, pieces of blotting paper or sugar cubes, which release the drug when swallowed. LSD is also sometimes sold as a liquid, in a tablet or in capsules.^1,2

Other names

Acid, trips, tabs, microdots, dots, Lucy.

How is LSD used?

LSD is usually swallowed or dissolved under the tongue, but it can also be sniffed, injected or smoked.^{1, 2}

Effects of LSD

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

LSD can affect everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch).

The effects of LSD usually begin in approximately 30 minutes and will last around 8-12 hours.⁵ The following may be experienced:

• euphoria and wellbeing
• dilation of pupils
• perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations.
• confusion and trouble concentrating
  
• headaches
• nausea
• fast or irregular heart beat
• increased body temperature
• breathing quickly
• vomiting
• facial flushes, sweating and chills.^{1, 2}

Overdose

If someone takes a large amount, the negative effects of LSD are more likely. Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you or someone else has any of these symptoms (ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police):

• panic
• paranoia
• increased risk taking
• psychosis.¹

Bad trips

Sometimes a person can experience a ‘bad trip’, involving a disturbing hallucination. This can lead to panic and risky behaviour, like running across a road or attempting self-harm.^{1, 2}

Coming down

In the following days after using LSD, the following may be experienced:

• insomnia
• fatigue
• body and muscle aches
• feeling depressed.¹

Long-term effects

Some people who regularly use LSD may eventually experience flashbacks. This is when an LSD experience reoccurs usually a visual distortion that involves perceptual or emotional changes.

Flashbacks can happen weeks, months or even years after the drug was last taken. Flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled.^{1, 2}

Flashbacks can be brought on by stress, tiredness, exercise or using other drugs. They usually last for a minute or two.²

LSD and Mental Health

Using LSD can trigger or worsen mental health problems such as anxiety, schizophrenia or psychosis.^{1, 2} Anyone with a history of these issues should avoid using LSD.

However, research into the administration of LSD in a safe, therapeutic setting, involving a controlled dose, has shown positive results in treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and reducing anxiety in patients with a life-threatening disease.⁶

Read more about some of this research.

Tolerance and dependence

Tolerance develops rapidly to the effects of LSD. After the third or fourth consecutive days of taking LSD, no amount of the drug can produce the desired effects. However, after a short period of abstinence (about three to four days), tolerance should return to normal.²

Mixing LSD with other drugs

The effects of taking LSD with other drugs − including over-the-counter or prescribed medications − can be unpredictable and dangerous, and could cause:

• LSD + MDMA (ecstasy): increased potency of MDMA, which could lead to a bad trip or other negative experiences⁷
• LSD + alcohol: decreased perceived effects of alcohol. This can increase the likelihood of drinking too much, which could lead to nausea, vomiting and blackouts.⁸

READ MORE

Withdrawal

There are no known physical withdrawal symptoms of LSD. Taking LSD regularly does not result in physical dependence. While there have been reports of psychological dependence, the evidence is limited.^{1, 2}

Getting help

If your use of LSD is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

Help and Support Services search

Find a service in your local area from our list. Simply add your location or postcode and filter by service type to quickly discover help near you.

If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au

Path2Help

Not sure what you are looking for? Try our intuitive Path2Help tool and be matched with support information and services tailored to you.

Find out more