LSD, also called acid, trip, blotter or cardboard, is generally swallowed or placed on the tongue. These effects vary greatly depending on the individual and the context of its consumption. A consumer is never safe from a "bad trip".

WHAT IS LSD?

LSD is synthesized from a substance produced by a parasitic fungus of certain cereals, rye ergot. It is generally sold in the form of small pieces of blotter impregnated with a drop of substance and illustrated with drawings, a microtip resembling a pencil lead or, more rarely, in liquid form or tablets. The dosage of LSD varies greatly.

IS OCCASIONAL USE RISKY?

Physical disorders can manifest themselves from your first use of LSD: numbness, changes in heart rate, tremors, chills, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, sweating, coordination disorders, etc.

LSD use can also be responsible, from the first dose, for serious psychiatric problems, sometimes lasting. It is likely to induce or reveal a psychosis similar to schizophrenia.

Episodes of recurrence of the effects felt under LSD called flashbacks or acid returns, including visual hallucinations, sometimes occur weeks or months after consumption. This disorder can be persistent.

CAN I OVERDOSE?

No deaths have been attributed to substance consumption beyond the dose that your body can tolerate. However, the effects of LSD have sometimes been responsible for fatal accidents or suicides.

CAN I HAVE A BAD EXPERIENCE?

The LSD experience can be extremely unpleasant. In this case, you will experience a feeling of panic, develop phobias or be overwhelmed by anxiety, delusions, nightmarish hallucinations, paranoia, etc. This is called a bad trip.

Even during a single dose, your state can go from ecstasy to aggression, despair or terror. A person who has had good experiences is never sure that they will not have a bad trip during a next dose.

The comedown, when the effect of the product wears off, can also be very distressing, accompanied by delusions or phobias.

CAN I BECOME DEPENDENT?

LSD does not cause physical dependence. On the other hand, you may feel a compulsive need to consume if you take LSD regularly and need to increase the doses to obtain the same effect, especially if you repeat the experience several times in a few days.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS IF I USE REGULARLY?

Regular consumption exposes you more to the risk of flashbacks or developing psychosis. It can also lead to depression.

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISKS?

It is preferable to abstain because any consumption exposes you to risks. If you consume, you can nevertheless try to reduce these risks by taking a few precautions:

Never consume alone. The hallucinogenic effects, the alteration of your judgment and the possibility of a bad trip make unsupervised consumption particularly risky.
Do not consume if you are tired, anxious, depressed or if the context of your consumption does not satisfy you.
Split the blotters or tablets. Take small doses, measure the effect of the product on you and wait at least an hour before taking more.
Avoid mixing with medication or other illicit drugs.
After consuming, do not engage in any responsible or risky activity, especially do not drive.
In pregnant women, LSD can cause uterine contractions and lead to premature labor. Refrain from consuming if you are pregnant.
If you suffer from a chronic illness, physical or mental, if you are undergoing treatment, talk to your doctor about your consumption.
Limit the frequency of your consumption.

I WANT HELP

A lot of help is available to you:

• Websites that inform you and list reception structures by department.
• Reception structures where you can meet professionals specialized in risk reduction and addiction management.
• Free telephone numbers that offer you a listening ear 7 days a week.

You can also talk to your GP who will be able to direct you to a suitable structure.
If you are in the presence of a person who is having a bad trip, do not leave them alone, take them to a quiet place with subdued lighting, reassure them and wait with them until the effects of the substance wear off.