Acid Flashcards
What does ‘LSD’ stand for?
Lysergic acid diethylamide
Typical bodily effects
Dilated pupils, increased bp, increased body temperature
How long do effects last?
Begin after half an hour and can last up to 12 hours
Is it addictive?
No
What are some adverse psychiatric reactions that can occur with consumption?
Paranoia, anxiety, and delusions. Also, long-term flashbacks.
Have there been any recorded deaths attributed to its usage?
No, however yes with related accidents
Which bodily system is it believed to have an effect on?
The serotonin system
What is the lowest dosage that can have an effect?
20 micrograms
What does it look like in its pure form?
White or clear, odourless and crystalline
When does it break down?
With exposure to UV light
According to the National Institute on Drugs, how many people in the US have tried it?
As of 2017, 10% have used it at some point in their lives
According to the National Institute on Drugs, how many people in the US have tried it within the past year
0.7%
When was the drug most popular?
The 1960s to 1980s
How is it usually taken?
Either consumed or held under the tongue
How is it usually sold?
On blotted paper or less commonly as tablets or gelatin squares
Is there a specific treatment for those who misuse the drug?
Not currently
Who first synthesised LSD? In which year was this?
Albert Hoffman 1938
What organism was used in the discovery of LSD?
Ergot (a fungus)
When did the scientist who discovered the drug first find out its hallucinogenic properties?
1943
Describe and explain the programme through which the CIA tried to exploit others through the use of LSD
MK-Ultra - subjects (some with knowledge and some without) were tested with the drug to find out its mind control potency
What happened to LSD in the 1950s and 1960s?
It was sold as a medication for research purposes under the name Delysid
What happened in 1971?
It was listed as a schedule 1 controlled substance by the UN
How much did it cost in Europe in 2011?
Between 4.50 and 25 Euro
Is there any current approved medical use?
No
Have there been any proven links between disease and LSD?
No, apart from a meta-analysis which showed a decrease in alcoholism
What have preliminary results shown in other areas of study with LSD?
Positive effects on mental disorders like depression, anxiety and drug dependence. Again, it should be stressed that these are prelim. findings.
Why is LSD considered an entheogen?
It is a psychoactive substance considered to catalyze an experience involved in developing a person spiritually
What spiritual organisation did Timothy Leary found in 1966?
League for Spiritual Discovery with LSD as a sacrament.
What do ‘bad trips’ commonly induce?
Intense negative emotions, such as irrational fears and anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, rapid mood swings, intrusive thoughts of hopelessness, wanting to harm others, and suicidal ideation.
What’s another expression for a ‘good trip’
A Rush
What are some common sensory effects?
An experience of radiant colors, objects and surfaces appearing to ripple or “breathe”, colored patterns behind the closed eyelids (eidetic imagery), an altered sense of time (time seems to be stretching, repeating itself, changing speed or stopping), crawling geometric patterns overlaying walls and other objects, and morphing object
What did particular sensory experience Albert Hoffman say he had after LSD?
A metallic taste in his mouth
Who is David Nutt?
A famous British neuropsychopharmacologist involved in the research or drugs on sleep, anxiety and addiction
Where did David Nutt rank LSD in the individual and society harm list?
3rd from bottom, 1/10th as harmful as alcohol
What did David Nutt see as the most harmful effect of LSD?
The mental functioning whilst intoxicated
Who is most at risk at having a mental disorder after taking LSD?
Review studies suggest that LSD likely plays a role in precipitating the onset of acute psychosis in previously healthy individuals with an increased likelihood in individuals who have a family history of schizophrenia
Name a finding from the 1960s CIA research in terms of how it could be useful to the organisation?
Both mentally stable and unstable individuals are more suggestible and easier control whilst under its influence
What is the likelihood of an otherwise healthy individual experiencing flashbacks?
The larger studies include Blumenfeld’s in 1971[44][45][46][47][48] and Naditch and Fenwick’s in 1977,[49][50][51][52][53] which arrived at figures of 20%[45] and 28%,[49] respectively.
LSD and cancer?
mpirical studies showed no evidence of teratogenic or mutagenic effects from use of LSD in man.
Can you build up a tolerance with LSD and how?
Yes and this tolerance is probably caused by downregulation of 5-HT2A receptors in the brain and diminishes a few days after cessation of use.
Can you build up a cross-tolerance?
Yes through psilocybin and mescaline
Is LSD addictive?
No
As of 2008, have there been any attributable deaths to LSD overdose?
No, however, several behavioural fatalities and suicides have occurred due to LSD
Give an example of someone who overdosed
Eight individuals in fact accidentally consumed very high amounts by mistaking LSD for cocaine developed comatose states, hyperthermia, vomiting, gastric bleeding, and respiratory problems however all survived with supportive care
What can be beneficial when taking LSD?
Reassurance in a calm, safe environment is beneficial. Agitation can be safely addressed with benzodiazepines such as lorazepam or diazepam.
What are recommended against when using LSD?
Neuroleptics such as haloperidol are recommended against because they may have adverse effects
What are neuroleptics?
Antipsychotics used to managed psychosis such as in bipolar and schizophrenia
Which serotonin recpetor subtypes does LSD not bind to?
LSD binds to most serotonin receptor subtypes except for the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors.
(HARD) Explain how LSD is thought to act on the brain’s pathways and dopamine receptors?
Exactly how LSD produces its effects is unknown, but it is thought that it works by increasing glutamate release in the cerebral cortex[64] and therefore excitation in this area, specifically in layers IV and V.[77] LSD, like many other drugs of recreational use, has been shown to activate DARPP-32-related pathways.[78] The drug enhances dopamine D2 receptor protomer recognition and signaling of D2–5-HT2A receptor complexes,[79] which may contribute to its psychotic effect
When did LSD stop in Switzerland?
Legally approved and regulated psychiatric use of LSD continued in Switzerland until 1993
