Sciensano collects data and analyses the consumption of drugs, the drug market, the consequences for health, requests for treatment and the policies implemented with regard to drugs in Belgium.
LSD
LSD
NB! Drugs effects vary according to the psychological state and the health of the person concerned, the context in which the drug is taken as well as the quality of the drug and the quantity consumed.
Description
LSD, also called “acid” is taken orally. The name “LSD” comes from the German “Lysergsäurediethylamid4”, which means lysergic acid diethylamide. Its active principle is a compound of the lysergamide family derived from rye ergot compounds (parasitic fungus).
LSD is a psychoactive substance which is:
- illegal
- semi-synthetic
- hallucinogenic.
Desired effects
- Perception distortions (time and space), hallucinations and stimulation of senses, confusion of senses, such as synaesthesia (“listening to colours”)
- Physical symptoms
- Increase in blood pressure and body temperature
- Dilation of pupils
Immediate risks
- Severe anxiety attacks, “bad trips” which can lead to murder or suicide and require medical assistance
- Risk of overdose: loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, death
Long-term risks
- Flash-back hallucinations