LSD Category: Hallucinogens

(also called: lysergic acid diethylamide, acid, blotter, cheer, dots, flash, hawk, L, lightening flash, liquid acid, lucy, micro dot, trips, tabs )

How it’s used

LSD is a hallucinogenic drug. It comes from ergot, a fungus found growing wild on rye and other grasses. It comes as a piece of paper with pictures on it, which you suck or swallow.

Short-term effects

Effects start 30 minutes after you take it and can last up to 20 hours
Effects depend on how much you take and how you are feeling when you take them, so may be good or bad
You may have visual effects, distortion of sound, changes in sense of time and place. This is called a ‘trip’.

Long-term effects

Paranoia, phobia and ideation (thinking about suicide)
If you have underlying mental health problems, LSD can trigger them
You can get flashbacks for 2-3 years after your trip

Other dangers

LSD affects your judgement so you may make unsafe choices, such as driving while under the influence
Hallucinations may make you delusional, such as believing you can fly, which can cause accidents or falls

If you are pregnant

Do not use if you are pregnant as we don’t know enough about the risks to your baby.

Addictive

LSD is not addictive, but you can build tolerance so you need to take more to get the same effect.

Withdrawal

No withdrawal symptoms

How long does it stay in your system?

LSD will show up in a urine test for 2-3 days. (The length of time depends on the test used, the amount you take, if you have other medical conditions and your own metabolism. Please use this figure as a guide only)

What help is available?

Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Support from your doctor
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

« Back to Types of Drugs page