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LSD (Acid/Trips/Tabs)
Originally used in psychiatric treatment, the majority of people associate LSD with the music of the late 1960's, famously the Beatles Sergeant Peppers album, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. Indeed Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd was the most famous "acid" casualty, losing his mind taking ludicrous amounts of what is probably the most powerful drug known.
LSD is usually bought as a tiny piece of blotting paper that has been impregnated with the drug, which is a liquid. In the sixties and seventies it was often bought in it's liquid form and dripped onto a sugar lump which was then eaten. John Lennon was famously "spiked" this way and had a horrendous experience, though it didn't stop him going back for more.
LSD stands for "Lysergic Acid Diethylemide", (which should be LAD) and was synthesized in 1938 from the ergot fungus which grows on rye and causes a similar reaction. In a famous event, dramatised in the Ken Russell film "The Devils", starring Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, in 17th century France, the local priest, Urbain Grandier was tortured and executed for witchcraft after an entire convent became affected by ergot contaminating the wheat.
LSD takes approximately between 20 minutes to an hour after consumption to take effect. It is generally taken orally, though there are variations, famously "window panes", which are impregnated pieces of gelatine, which can be put into the eye where the drug is absorbed more quickly. This is not widespread practice however. It can also be injected in its liquid form, though this is also unusual outside of psychiatry.
The effects of LSD, and indeed magic mushrooms and other psychedelics vary from person to person.The effects of these types of drugs are known as "trips". An "acid trip" lasts for between seven and up to approximately twelve hours, sometimes more, depending on the dose taken. It is very unlikely to overdose on these drugs as huge amounts are required. Tolerance build up occurs in regular users however, which fades after several days of abstinence.
The most obvious sign of usage is the extreme dilation of the pupils and glazed appearance of the eyes in general. Users may well become fixated on a particular object or picture for long periods of time or alternatively become distracted easily, unable to focus on one thing for long, or laugh uncontrollably for no apparent reason for prolonged periods.
The user's surroundings and environment are very important when using psychedelic drugs as this directly affects the experience one has, as is the state of mind of the user. In a calm and stable environment, the user is more likely to feel safe and enjoy the experience, while in an out of control or hostile environment, the user may have the worst experience of their life. In an extreme case, the user may harm themselves or others, or even experience suicidal thoughts. Emotions are heightened dramatically by psychedelic drugs, and direct confrontation with a user is extremely inadvisable. Many users often claim that they realised how to change the world when intoxicated, only to forget how to do it once they return to normal.
As psychedelic drugs are so unpredictable, it is impossible to recreate the experience in words. A person may become extremely creative, indeed some of the greatest albums of the past fifty or so years have been influenced by psychedelics. Users may find heightened experiences of music and sounds in general. Echo like effects of sound is common, as is enhanced perception of colours and texures. Users may draw surreal pictures-Salvador Dali posters are popular with users, though there is no evidence that the artist used drugs himself.
A small percentage of users experience what is known as "flashbacks". This is the experience of being high on the drug, either positively or negatively long after the effects have worn off. The effects are generally short lived and nowhere near as long as an actual trip.
The classic and uninformed opinion many people have of LSD is that it makes one believe that they can fly, or see pink elephants or snakes coming out of the wall. Users are generally aware of their own mind, more so than one who is under the influence of alcohol, and know that they can't fly and that the things they are seeing are down to the drug and are not real. This can still cause intense paranoia however. It is unlikely a user will see something that isn't there. It is physical objects that get distorted in the user's mind rather than snakes appearing from nowhere. Films such as "Snakes On A Plane" are probably inadvisable while under the influence however.
LSD has been used in psychiatry in several ways including the treatment of alcoholism and pain relief. It has also been used to unblock repressed emotions or experiences in a patient's past. Some doctors dispute the effectiveness or safety of this and the debate continues to this day. Many government organisations dispute the theraputic value of LSD and other drugs, but this is propaganda based on opinion rather than research.
LSD was made illegal in 1966 when it was discovered that people were using it recreationally. Noted figures such as the writer Aldous Huxley and the chemist Timothy Leary began advocating its use in the early 1960s but it was the Beatles and other rock stars that brought it widespread attention. Ken Kesey, the author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" held a series of parties in the mid sixties known as the "Acid Tests" where LSD was widely used.
Today LSD is not as fashionable as it was, though it is still used widely, mainly among young people. Its long term effects are constantly disputed, as is its addictiveness, but like all drugs, caution is advised. If one suffers from mental health issues for example, psychedelic drugs are not recommended. At the same time, neither is alcohol.
LSD is usually bought as a tiny piece of blotting paper that has been impregnated with the drug, which is a liquid. In the sixties and seventies it was often bought in it's liquid form and dripped onto a sugar lump which was then eaten. John Lennon was famously "spiked" this way and had a horrendous experience, though it didn't stop him going back for more.
LSD stands for "Lysergic Acid Diethylemide", (which should be LAD) and was synthesized in 1938 from the ergot fungus which grows on rye and causes a similar reaction. In a famous event, dramatised in the Ken Russell film "The Devils", starring Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, in 17th century France, the local priest, Urbain Grandier was tortured and executed for witchcraft after an entire convent became affected by ergot contaminating the wheat.
LSD takes approximately between 20 minutes to an hour after consumption to take effect. It is generally taken orally, though there are variations, famously "window panes", which are impregnated pieces of gelatine, which can be put into the eye where the drug is absorbed more quickly. This is not widespread practice however. It can also be injected in its liquid form, though this is also unusual outside of psychiatry.
The effects of LSD, and indeed magic mushrooms and other psychedelics vary from person to person.The effects of these types of drugs are known as "trips". An "acid trip" lasts for between seven and up to approximately twelve hours, sometimes more, depending on the dose taken. It is very unlikely to overdose on these drugs as huge amounts are required. Tolerance build up occurs in regular users however, which fades after several days of abstinence.
The most obvious sign of usage is the extreme dilation of the pupils and glazed appearance of the eyes in general. Users may well become fixated on a particular object or picture for long periods of time or alternatively become distracted easily, unable to focus on one thing for long, or laugh uncontrollably for no apparent reason for prolonged periods.
The user's surroundings and environment are very important when using psychedelic drugs as this directly affects the experience one has, as is the state of mind of the user. In a calm and stable environment, the user is more likely to feel safe and enjoy the experience, while in an out of control or hostile environment, the user may have the worst experience of their life. In an extreme case, the user may harm themselves or others, or even experience suicidal thoughts. Emotions are heightened dramatically by psychedelic drugs, and direct confrontation with a user is extremely inadvisable. Many users often claim that they realised how to change the world when intoxicated, only to forget how to do it once they return to normal.
As psychedelic drugs are so unpredictable, it is impossible to recreate the experience in words. A person may become extremely creative, indeed some of the greatest albums of the past fifty or so years have been influenced by psychedelics. Users may find heightened experiences of music and sounds in general. Echo like effects of sound is common, as is enhanced perception of colours and texures. Users may draw surreal pictures-Salvador Dali posters are popular with users, though there is no evidence that the artist used drugs himself.
A small percentage of users experience what is known as "flashbacks". This is the experience of being high on the drug, either positively or negatively long after the effects have worn off. The effects are generally short lived and nowhere near as long as an actual trip.
The classic and uninformed opinion many people have of LSD is that it makes one believe that they can fly, or see pink elephants or snakes coming out of the wall. Users are generally aware of their own mind, more so than one who is under the influence of alcohol, and know that they can't fly and that the things they are seeing are down to the drug and are not real. This can still cause intense paranoia however. It is unlikely a user will see something that isn't there. It is physical objects that get distorted in the user's mind rather than snakes appearing from nowhere. Films such as "Snakes On A Plane" are probably inadvisable while under the influence however.
LSD has been used in psychiatry in several ways including the treatment of alcoholism and pain relief. It has also been used to unblock repressed emotions or experiences in a patient's past. Some doctors dispute the effectiveness or safety of this and the debate continues to this day. Many government organisations dispute the theraputic value of LSD and other drugs, but this is propaganda based on opinion rather than research.
LSD was made illegal in 1966 when it was discovered that people were using it recreationally. Noted figures such as the writer Aldous Huxley and the chemist Timothy Leary began advocating its use in the early 1960s but it was the Beatles and other rock stars that brought it widespread attention. Ken Kesey, the author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" held a series of parties in the mid sixties known as the "Acid Tests" where LSD was widely used.
Today LSD is not as fashionable as it was, though it is still used widely, mainly among young people. Its long term effects are constantly disputed, as is its addictiveness, but like all drugs, caution is advised. If one suffers from mental health issues for example, psychedelic drugs are not recommended. At the same time, neither is alcohol.
Magic Mushrooms
There are approximately 190 different varieties of fungus that contain the psychoactive substance psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in "magic mushrooms", which grow wild all over the world.
The most common in the UK are known as "liberty caps", psilocybe semilanceata, shown in the picture on the left. They are used in a number of ways. Eaten raw, brewed up to make tea and dried out are the most common. Many users don't enjoy the taste of fresh or dried mushrooms, claiming that they taste too "earthy", which is why mushroom tea is so popular. Indeed one of the possible side-effects of mushrooms is vomiting.
Until 2005 fresh mushrooms were not illegal whereas processing them in any way was. Magic mushrooms have now been classified as a class A substance, and incur the relevant penalties for possession or supplying.
The effects of psilocybe mushrooms are very similar to LSD, though many users say they prefer using mushrooms as they are a natural substance as opposed to the synthetic chemical that is LSD.
Like LSD and other psychedelics, it is impossible to describe the effects as they vary from person to person, but like LSD, environment and state of mind is directly related to the experience of the user.
A mushroom "trip" generally doesn't last as long as LSD, but this can depend on the amount taken. As it is impossible to know the strength of an acid tab, users often prefer mushrooms as one is able to take them in smaller doses at a time. Approximately fifteen reasonable strength mushrooms are sufficient for approximately eight hours, though this varies with the type or strength of mushroom.
There are no cases of anyone overdosing on magic mushrooms and as they are not an addictive substance they are rarely abused. The main dangers of magic mushrooms are the same as LSD. If the environment of the user is out of control or hostile it can result in paranoid delusions and panic attacks- classic results of a "bad trip". There is the risk of the user having an accident while intoxicated, as well as the very real danger of consuming poisonous fungi by mistake, which can be fatal.
The most common in the UK are known as "liberty caps", psilocybe semilanceata, shown in the picture on the left. They are used in a number of ways. Eaten raw, brewed up to make tea and dried out are the most common. Many users don't enjoy the taste of fresh or dried mushrooms, claiming that they taste too "earthy", which is why mushroom tea is so popular. Indeed one of the possible side-effects of mushrooms is vomiting.
Until 2005 fresh mushrooms were not illegal whereas processing them in any way was. Magic mushrooms have now been classified as a class A substance, and incur the relevant penalties for possession or supplying.
The effects of psilocybe mushrooms are very similar to LSD, though many users say they prefer using mushrooms as they are a natural substance as opposed to the synthetic chemical that is LSD.
Like LSD and other psychedelics, it is impossible to describe the effects as they vary from person to person, but like LSD, environment and state of mind is directly related to the experience of the user.
A mushroom "trip" generally doesn't last as long as LSD, but this can depend on the amount taken. As it is impossible to know the strength of an acid tab, users often prefer mushrooms as one is able to take them in smaller doses at a time. Approximately fifteen reasonable strength mushrooms are sufficient for approximately eight hours, though this varies with the type or strength of mushroom.
There are no cases of anyone overdosing on magic mushrooms and as they are not an addictive substance they are rarely abused. The main dangers of magic mushrooms are the same as LSD. If the environment of the user is out of control or hostile it can result in paranoid delusions and panic attacks- classic results of a "bad trip". There is the risk of the user having an accident while intoxicated, as well as the very real danger of consuming poisonous fungi by mistake, which can be fatal.
Ecstacy/MDMA
E, MDMA or Mandy is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world. The sense of euphoria and intimacy that it gives the user makes it a popular party and club drug.
It has been used medically as a pain killer and an anti-psychotic as well as being used to treat victims of post traumatic stress disorder. It is also used in small doses by Buddhist monks to enhance meditation.
It started to be used as a recreational drug in the USA in the late 1960's but it wasn't until the acid house culture of the late 1980's that its use became widespread. Due to the international prohibition of MDMA, the purity of the average tablet is low, and mixed with all kinds of unpleasant additives in the same way as heroin. This and the rise of purer legal highs such as mephedrone has led to a decrease in usage in the UK over the past few years. It is often used in conjunction with other drugs such as LSD, crystal meth and ketamine. This experience is known as "flipping".
Usually in pill form but also available as a powder, Ecstacy is a stimulant, hence its association with the rave culture. Users often get an urge to dance, as well as an increase in self confidence, euphoria and intimacy, even love towards others. It has been claimed that the decline in football violence in the UK in the early nineties went hand in hand with the rise of the rave culture and use of ecstacy among the young. Indeed, ecstacy does diminish aggressive feelings as well as fear and anxiety, hence its use in psychiatry. Other effects include heightened perception and energy as well as motivation. Cancer patients have claimed it has pain killing qualities. The effects last approximately between three to six hours, depending on the dose.
Despite the positive effects of the drug, like many other substances, the "comedown" can be severe. Because of the excessive energy that it causes, the tendency to over-exert oneself leads to aches and pains and exhaustion once the effects have worn off. Users tend to chew a lot, which can cause dental problems and aching jaws. Insomnia is common in users as is irritability, fatigue and paranoia. Users really do know when the party is over. Depression is another possibility which in extreme cases can become chronic. It is possible to overdose on ecstacy, which can lead to organ damage.
As users often dance for several hours at a time, dehydration is a possibility. Several deaths were caused in the late eighties and early nineties due to nightclubs refusing to give users water in order to make them spend more at the bar. At the same time, paradoxically, it is possible for users to drink too much water at once, leading to water intoxication and dilution of the blood, as well as the dangerous lowering of sodium levels in the body. This was the cause of Leah Betts' death, a teenager who died in 1995 after drinking seven litres of water in less than ninety minutes causing fatal swelling of the brain. The resulting media storm and moral outrage was responsible for widespread misinformation.
Other deaths have resulted from contaminated pills, though this is unusual. Indeed, any ecstacy related death is unusual compared to the number of deaths related to alcohol, tobacco and even crossing the road.
Ecstacy's long term effect on seratonin levels is the subject of some debate. Some scientists claim it lowers the brain's seratonin levels, causing chronic depression, others say there is no evidence for this. Ecstacy is not physically addictive, though like anything, it can become compulsive and the results of long term use are uncertain.
It has been used medically as a pain killer and an anti-psychotic as well as being used to treat victims of post traumatic stress disorder. It is also used in small doses by Buddhist monks to enhance meditation.
It started to be used as a recreational drug in the USA in the late 1960's but it wasn't until the acid house culture of the late 1980's that its use became widespread. Due to the international prohibition of MDMA, the purity of the average tablet is low, and mixed with all kinds of unpleasant additives in the same way as heroin. This and the rise of purer legal highs such as mephedrone has led to a decrease in usage in the UK over the past few years. It is often used in conjunction with other drugs such as LSD, crystal meth and ketamine. This experience is known as "flipping".
Usually in pill form but also available as a powder, Ecstacy is a stimulant, hence its association with the rave culture. Users often get an urge to dance, as well as an increase in self confidence, euphoria and intimacy, even love towards others. It has been claimed that the decline in football violence in the UK in the early nineties went hand in hand with the rise of the rave culture and use of ecstacy among the young. Indeed, ecstacy does diminish aggressive feelings as well as fear and anxiety, hence its use in psychiatry. Other effects include heightened perception and energy as well as motivation. Cancer patients have claimed it has pain killing qualities. The effects last approximately between three to six hours, depending on the dose.
Despite the positive effects of the drug, like many other substances, the "comedown" can be severe. Because of the excessive energy that it causes, the tendency to over-exert oneself leads to aches and pains and exhaustion once the effects have worn off. Users tend to chew a lot, which can cause dental problems and aching jaws. Insomnia is common in users as is irritability, fatigue and paranoia. Users really do know when the party is over. Depression is another possibility which in extreme cases can become chronic. It is possible to overdose on ecstacy, which can lead to organ damage.
As users often dance for several hours at a time, dehydration is a possibility. Several deaths were caused in the late eighties and early nineties due to nightclubs refusing to give users water in order to make them spend more at the bar. At the same time, paradoxically, it is possible for users to drink too much water at once, leading to water intoxication and dilution of the blood, as well as the dangerous lowering of sodium levels in the body. This was the cause of Leah Betts' death, a teenager who died in 1995 after drinking seven litres of water in less than ninety minutes causing fatal swelling of the brain. The resulting media storm and moral outrage was responsible for widespread misinformation.
Other deaths have resulted from contaminated pills, though this is unusual. Indeed, any ecstacy related death is unusual compared to the number of deaths related to alcohol, tobacco and even crossing the road.
Ecstacy's long term effect on seratonin levels is the subject of some debate. Some scientists claim it lowers the brain's seratonin levels, causing chronic depression, others say there is no evidence for this. Ecstacy is not physically addictive, though like anything, it can become compulsive and the results of long term use are uncertain.