LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD (from German Lysergsäure-diethylamid), is a potent psychedelic drug that intensifies thoughts, emotions, and sensory perception. Often referred to as acid or lucy, LSD can cause mystical, spiritual, or religious experiences. At higher doses, it primarily induces visual and auditory hallucinations. While LSD does not cause physical addiction, it can lead to adverse psychological reactions, such as anxiety, paranoia, and delusions. Additionally, it may trigger "flashbacks," also known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, where individuals experience persistent visual distortions after use. The effects of LSD begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 20 hours, with most trips averaging 8–12 hours. It is synthesized from lysergic acid and commonly administered via tabs of blotter paper. LSD is mainly used recreationally or for spiritual purposes. As a serotonin receptor agonist, LSD's precise effects are not fully understood, but it is known to alter the brain’s default mode network, leading to its powerful psychedelic effects. The drug was first synthesized by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938 and became widely studied in the 1950s and 1960s. It was used experimentally in psychiatry for treating alcoholism and schizophrenia. However, its association with the counterculture movement of the 1960s led to its classification as a Schedule I drug in the U.S. in 1968. It was also listed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance by the United Nations in 1971 and remains without approved medical uses. Despite its legal restrictions, LSD remains influential in scientific and cultural contexts. Its therapeutic potential has been explored, particularly in treating mental health disorders. As of 2017, about 10% of people in the U.S. had used LSD at some point, with 0.7% having used it in the past year. Usage rates have risen, with a 56.4% increase in adult use in the U.S. from 2015 to 2018.

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