!n! White powder. It may be made into small pills, tablets, or capsules. The drug may also be absorbed on gelatin sheets or sugar cubes. Sometimes LSD is offered as a colorless, tasteless, odorless liquid, impregnated on small paper squares. It is taken by mouth.
SHORT-TERM USE: 'Trip' begins less than 1hr after dose. Peaks after 2-6hrs & fades after 12hrs, depending on dose. Effects depend on dose size & user's mood, expectations & personal company. Effects include intense color perception & visual or sound distortions. True {hallucinations} are rare. Emotional awareness may include heightened self-awareness, mystical or ecstatic experiences.
A feeling of being outside one's body is commonly reported. Unpleasant reactions, or bad 'trips', may include {depression}, dizziness, disorientation & sometimes panic (more likely if user unstable, anxious or depressed). Death from suicide or {hallucination} is rare. Accidents can occur while under influence of drug. It's never safe to drive a motorcycle or car during or while recovering from LSD.
LONG-TERM USE: There is no clear evidence of physical damage from repeated use of LSD. The main hazards are psychological, rather than physical. Serious {anxiety} or {psychotic} reactions may occur, but can usually be dealt with by friendly reassurance.
Brief, but vivid flashbacks of part of a previous trip may occur months later. These can leave the person feeling disorientated & can be distressing, but are only very rarely dangerous. There is no physical dependence. For several days after taking LSD, further doses are less effective & this discourages frequent use.
