What is LSD – A Short Overview

Key Takeaways

1. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) or acid is known to be an extremely potent psychedelic drug.
2. LSD manifests with primarily mental and visual distortions, and auditory hallucinations.
3. It is considered 1/10 as harmful as alcohol.
4. There is conflicting evidence as to its addictive drug properties. While the NIH says it is addictive, most other resources claim that while it is easily abused it is not addictive
5. LSD flashbacks are not something that exists in the way society talks about them, hallucinogen persisting perception disorder is extremely rare.
6. While we think LSD is stored in the spinal cord or other parts of the body long term, there is no evidence to support that claim.
7. If taken, always have a sober director with you, to monitor you, and make sure you don’t accidentally cause self-harm especially if you have never taken LSD before.

A Short Overview

From the psychedelic newspapers of the 1960s to modern-day research laboratories, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has remained one of the most talked about psychoactive drugs. From its birth in 1938 through its widespread recreational drug use in subsequent decades and eventual ban around 1970, LSD has had a significant influence on popular culture and drug users alike.

Beyond its cultural significance and drug experience, what exactly is LSD? This article will explore what it is that makes this highly potent hallucinogen so powerful, outlining both its short-term effects and long-term implications for those who experiment with it. We will discuss what it is, its history, and potential positive impacts on mental health and other drugs and wellness issues. We’ll also consider some common misconceptions about this controversial yet fascinating substance.

What is LSD?

LSD is one of the most potent and powerful hallucinogens known to the human race. It can induce strong mental, visual, and auditory hallucinations in those who take it. Though historically seen as an illicit substance with recreational use, recent studies have suggested that LSD holds promise for individuals suffering from PTSD or anxiety. Some research even indicates that when taken under controlled conditions, LSD has a low risk of addiction and is not dangerous. However, it should never be taken lightly. The negative effects of misusing this drug can vary from minor psychological disturbances to full-blown psychotic episodes. To safely explore the unique effects of this powerful substance requires knowledge, self-awareness, tolerance, and respect for its potential, both medically and spiritually.

In the 1950s and 1960s, a flurry of interest surrounded the study of psychotherapy and the possible use of LSD to treat certain forms of mental illness. It was also found to have promising results when dealing with alcoholism. (This paper goes much deeper into the benefits of LSD when dealing with alcoholism) On the basis of some early promising results, the scientific community coined “psychedelic” as a term specifically used to describe LSD and other related hallucinogens.

An older term that was used previously to refer to LSD was “psychotomimetic”. However, this term had its origins in the false assumption that LSD imitated schizophrenia, which is why it is no longer applied. Although there are risks associated with its use, when managed properly it has been indicated as having potential benefits for treating conditions like PTSD with few reported cases of addiction drug abuse physical dependence-related issues. To this day, LSD remains somewhat misunderstood by the general public; however, its potential benefits merit further exploration.

LSD And The Government

LSD is one of the more controversial drugs out there, with its history coming into focus through intense governmental projects that looked into its effects. Many people are aware of the program MKUltra (Here is the history about it), a CIA-funded project responsible for some of LSD’s initial and most heavily recorded experiments. A few other government-sponsored LSD studies were conducted in order to explore the possibility of using the drug for counterintelligence purposes, such as mind control and indoctrination tactics. Although LSD has been shown to make one more susceptible to external influences such as suggestions, the drug was considered too unpredictable for use in intelligence operations. Using larger doses of LSD was seen as prohibitively risky, so the government ceased their involvement in LSD experimentation and research. Beyond intention manipulation though LSD still maintains a complex relationship with culture because of its associations to psychedelia and various artistic movements.

Where Does LSD Come From

Where does LSD come from? The answer begins with the brilliant mind of a Swiss chemist named Albert Hoffmann who, on November 16th 1938, made an extraordinary discovery in Basel, Switzerland. He had been experimenting with chemical compounds known as ergot alkaloids structured for medicine’s use to induce vasoconstriction. In what would later prove to be a significant contribution towards psychiatric research, other drugs and medical treatments, as well as the revolutionary movement of psychedelic drugs, Albert Hoffman had unknowingly opened Pandora’s box. This event unlocked the mysteries of this intriguing substance; LSD.

Five years later, on November 19th, 1943 (now known as Bicycle Day), Hoffman accidentally ingested an unknown amount of the chemical and experienced its profound effects. From that fateful day forward, LSD has been used as a recreational drug, medical remedy, and has even been weaponized in military experiments. It has been used to explore the human psyche, promote spiritual awareness, and even help treat mental illness.

Although originally created in a laboratory setting, the most common form of modern-day LSD is synthesized through fermentation and requires an expert chemist to make it. In some cases, it can also be derived naturally from certain species of mushrooms found across the globe. Wherever it comes from, it’s clear that someone was paying attention when Albert Hoffman made his discovery so many decades ago!

Today, LSD is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which makes it illegal for recreational use in the United States. Despite this, its popularity has endured as a recreational drug and continues to influence culture. As a result, understanding the dangers and potential benefits of LSD is important. While it has been linked to some negative physical and psychological effects, it also has the potential to be beneficial when used responsibly in a controlled setting.

How LSD Is Utilized

LSD is used to produce a state of heightened awareness and mood, allowing users to explore the depths of their mind and experience euphoria. More often than not, one can have a “good trip” during which they enter this state with positive intent, and gain long-term benefits such as improved moods or new perspectives. Unfortunately, because of its capacity to heighten emotion, some have been known to have a “bad acid trip” that amplifies negative mindsets like anxiety and paranoia, or visual hallucinations and other delusions. As such, it is essential for anyone considering taking LSD to be aware of its potential positive and adverse outcomes.

LSD use is believed to work for severe depression by helping users break out from patterns of thought or behavior that may be contributing to their condition. For instance, it has been used to treat anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by allowing users to recognize patterns of thought or behavior that are causing them distress and work to break out of them. In some cases, it has also been used to treat alcoholism by helping users gain a better understanding of their addiction, and eventually break away from it.

LSD And Healing

LSD is believed to stimulate neurons in the brain that are responsible for creativity and spiritual connections, allowing users to explore the depths of their subconscious. For this reason, it has been used by many in the past to gain a newfound sense of self-awareness, as well as to explore their spiritual beliefs.

LSD is a powerful psychedelic substance that has been linked to numerous therapeutic benefits. Although it is illegal for recreational and medicinal uses, its ability to profoundly alter consciousness gives insights into the realm of psychological healing. Clinical trials on the application of LSD have been conducted in small doses in the past with promising results. Today, many people believe it can be used to treat mental and physical withdrawal symptoms and emotional trauma resulting from traumas such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and more. Although it still remains an untapped potential tool, more clinical studies may soon reveal a renewed approach to treating these conditions. (Check out our article here about LSD therapy)

How To Consume LSD

Blotter Paper

LSD is typically accepted and consumed as a way to alter mental states. How it’s done can vary, but one popular method of ingesting it involves blotter paper. A single dose of LSD solution, known as a tablet, is preloaded onto the blotter paper; the blotter paper divided and is then held underneath the tongue for about twenty minutes until completely dissolved.

Alternatively, the LSD on the blotter paper may come in a liquid form, or gelatin sheets in small squares called panes, typically ingested orally. Either way, blotter paper remains an important part of consuming and experiencing LSD, allowing users to satisfy their desired mental state with ease and accuracy.

Sugar Cubes, Gummy Candies, Cookies, Etc

How to consume LSD is an important part of any psychedelic experience. Many users choose to drop their liquid LSD on sugar cubes, gummy candies, or even cookies. While these may be more appetizing than blotter paper, not having a precise measure of one’s dosage can lead to surprising results that may be difficult to assess or manage. If you desire more control over your dose, blotter paper is the method of choice. It also doesn’t hurt that it lasts longer and blotter acid contains higher concentrations of pure LSD compared to other methods! Although there are many different ways to consume LSD, blotter paper is probably the safest, most pure effects of LSD, and the most efficient route for achieving a predictable and enjoyable experience.

Oral Ingestion

Oral ingestion is the most direct, effective dose and common way to take LSD. Generally, it is recommended to take it sublingually, meaning holding it under the tongue for a short period of time, as this will optimize the absorption of the pure drug into the body. However, even if you choose to swallow it immediately, that’s perfectly fine. The only time in which you should hold it under your tongue is if it’s a new batch that you have not tried before. LSD should be tasteless and sensationless, so if you notice any taste or numbness while consuming it there’s a very high likelihood that it isn’t LSD. It is important to always perform thorough research on any drug prior to consumption.

LSD And You – Next Steps

LSD is a powerful psychedelic with the potential for both good and bad experiences. After taking LSD, you should take the time to reflect on your experience and carefully assess desired effects of any decisions that you may make under its influence. Maybe record this information in a journal so you can track your progress. (If you are into journaling check out this site all about bullet journaling)

Did you have a good trip, or bad trip? With proper guidance, respect for the drug, and clear intentions behind it, LSD could open up new realms of creativity, mental exploration and introspection. Make sure that you are in a safe environment and that you have someone with you who is able to remain sober and direct the situation if necessary. Deaths that happen to LSD users are usually due to behavioral choices due to intoxication and not clear thinking.

LSD shows great promise as a potential treatment drug for mental health problems, such as depression, alcohol addiction, and trauma. It needs to be used with extreme caution if you decide to partake in it in the United States, among other substances, where it is currently illegal. There is still much yet to be researched and studied about this drug and its role in treating these conditions, and that is why we are focusing on it here at Third Eye Wellness.

The research that has been explored so far is promising for various mental issues and addictions, but due to it still being an illegal substance, there are also great constraints in the US regarding what researchers can do. All of this should be taken into consideration before deciding whether or not it’s something you want to try for yourself if you’re dealing with any kind of mental health issues.

Conclusion

As always, talk to your doctor and make sure they know of any medications, dosages or treatments that you may have already tried or are considering. They can give you advice on how best to proceed and offer professional guidance to help you get through anything life throws at you; including difficult times due to depression, addiction, or trauma. We want to stress, there is still a great amount to understand about LSD and its therapeutic capabilities. We do recommend you also check out our information about Psilocybin Mushrooms HERE and their hallucinogenic effects and positive attributes towards the treatment of various issues.

Are you thinking of exploring LSD in a therapeutic way? Please ask any questions below and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Do you have LSD experience and want to share it with the community, good or bad, please do so below.