Image Source: Pexels
In the early 20th century, drug use was seen as a vice and had little acceptance in mainstream society. However, as time progressed, there was a surge of interest in altered states of consciousness, particularly as they related to spirituality. This new perspective on psychoactive substances also came with a new acceptance towards drug use. This change in attitude opened the door for the medical and recreational use of drugs such as cannabis, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), coca leaf, and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Read on to learn more about the history of LSD and its effects.
What is LSD?
LSD is a synthetic drug that was first synthesized in 1938 by the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. This drug was originally studied as a potential treatment for a variety of conditions, including alcoholism and schizophrenia. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the recreational use of this drug really took off. It’s important to understand that the effects of LSD aren’t as simple as “this drug makes you hallucinate.” Rather, LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that alters a person’s perception of reality. It does this by binding to receptors for serotonin (a chemical involved with mood, appetite, sleep, and other processes) in the brain.
Who Discovered LSD?
LSD was discovered in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. Hofmann was conducting research on ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. At the time, ergot was used in the process of making LSD. While experimenting with ergot, Hofmann accidentally absorbed some of the chemical through his fingers and experienced what he described as “dreamlike” sensations. He later went on to synthesize LSD and discovered that the substance had powerful hallucinogenic effects. This discovery ignited decades of research on LSD and the serotonin receptors in the brain.
Why People Use LSD
People use LSD because it can produce powerful hallucinations and alter a person’s perception of reality. However, the effects of LSD depend on a variety of factors, including a person’s health and the state of their surroundings. Generally speaking, LSD produces “altered states of consciousness”. This means that people who use LSD can experience all sorts of strange and unusual feelings and sensations. Some people experience hallucinogenic or distorted sensory perceptions. Others experience hallucinations, where they hear or see things that aren’t there. Many people use LSD because it produces feelings of euphoria and blissfulness that can last for several hours. Others use LSD for its potential therapeutic effects, including the treatment of anxiety, depression, and alcoholism.
Effects of LSD on the Brain and Body
The effects of LSD on the brain are complex and vary widely from person to person. However, there are some generalizations that can be made. When LSD binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, it disrupts the way various parts of the brain communicate with each other. This can lead to a number of strange and unusual sensations, including: - Altered sensory perceptions: When our brains process sensory information, like the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations around us, they create a map of our surroundings. This map is called our “reality”. When we use LSD, this map is distorted. Some people report seeing sounds or hearing colours. Others report tasting smells or feeling textures. Some people even report feeling insects crawling on or burrowing into their skin. - Hallucinations: LSD can cause hallucinations, which are defined as “false” sensory perceptions. A person who is experiencing hallucinations might see things that aren’t there, smell or hear things that aren’t there, or feel things that aren’t there. - Changes in mood: The way LSD affects the brain can cause some people to become anxious or depressed. Others experience feelings of euphoria and blissfulness. - Disorganization of thought and behaviour: One of the most concerning effects of LSD is that it can cause a person to behave in a disorganized manner. In extreme cases, this disorganization can lead to dangerous or risky behaviours.
Tolerance and Dependence: Is LSD Addictive?
The short answer is yes, LSD is addictive. Although some people can use LSD regularly without becoming addicted, many people develop a tolerance to the drug and require higher doses to achieve the same effects. When dependence on a substance develops, it can lead to a number of negative consequences, including cravings, a worsening of psychological symptoms, and an increased risk of physical harm. Like other addictive drugs, LSD can cause changes in the brain that lead to dependence and tolerance. This means that it’s important to use LSD in moderation. Dependence on LSD can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when a person suddenly stops using the drug. However, withdrawal isn’t as dangerous as withdrawal from some other substances, such as opioids.
The Dark Side of LSD
When taken in excess, LSD can cause a variety of negative side effects, including changes in mood, hallucinations, and disorganization of thought and behaviour. In extreme cases, LSD use can result in a “bad trip”, which can be extremely hazardous for the user. A bad trip can develop when a person takes a higher-than-normal dose of LSD or paranoia about the effects of the drug. This paranoia can lead the user to behave recklessly or in a disorganized manner. Bad trips can also lead to negative psychological effects. LSD can cause changes in mood (both positive and negative), hallucinations, and disorganization of thought and behaviour. Bad trips can also result in physical harm. For example, a person on a bad trip might injure themselves while under the influence of LSD. Even when the effects of LSD wear off, the person might not remember their actions and might not realize that they are injured.
Where Can I get LSD?
LSD is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, which means that it’s illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute it. Possession of LSD can lead to a felony conviction and imprisonment, fines, and other penalties depending on the amount and circumstances of the crime. The black market for LSD isn’t as prevalent as it was in the 1960s. This is because LSD is relatively easy to produce and doesn’t incur the same high costs as other illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Unfortunately, this means that it’s difficult to know where the LSD you’ve purchased is coming from. If you or someone you know has been using LSD, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers.
Final Words
This article explores the history of LSD, what it is, and what it does. We look at why people use LSD and what the long-term effects of using it are. We also discuss what can happen to you if you get arrested for a LSD-related crime. In this article, you’ll learn that while LSD leads to hallucinations, it doesn’t cause users to see things that aren’t there. You’ll also learn that LSD can cause changes in mood (both positive and negative), and can lead to disorganization of thought and behaviour. You’ll also discover that LSD is addictive and can cause a “bad trip”, which can lead to negative psychological effects and even physical harm.
Yorumlar