What is LSD? Who uses LSD? have stopped taking the drug. In addi- tion, LSD users may develop long- LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a Individuals of all ages use LSD. Data lasting psychoses, such as schizophre- synthetic (man-made) drug that has reported in the National Household nia or severe depression. been abused for its hallucinogenic Survey on Drug Abuse indicate that an properties since the 1960s. If con- estimated 20.2 million U.S. residents LSD is not considered an addictive sumed in a sufficiently large dose, aged 12 and older used LSD at least drug—that is, it does not produce LSD produces delusions and visual once in their lifetime. The survey also compulsive drug-seeking behavior as hallucinations that distort the user’s revealed that many teenagers and cocaine, heroin, and methamphet- sense of time and identity. young adults use LSD—742,000 indi- amine do. However, LSD users may viduals aged 12 to 17 and 4.5 million develop tolerance to the drug, meaning What does it look like? individuals aged 18 to 25 used the drug that they must consume progressively at least once. larger doses of the drug in order to LSD typically is sold as a liquid continue to experience the hallucino- (often packaged in small bottles LSD use among high school students genic effects that they seek. designed to hold breath freshening is a particular concern. More than 8 drops) or applied to blotter paper, percent of high school seniors in the What is it called? sugar cubes, gelatin squares, and United States used the drug at least tablets. once in their lifetime, and nearly 4 The most common names for LSD percent used the drug in the past year, are acid, boomers, and yellow sun- How is LSD abused? according to the University of shine. (Please see the Street Terms Michigan’s Monitoring the Future text box below for additional names.) LSD generally is taken by mouth. Survey. The drug is colorless and odorless but has a slightly bitter taste. What are the risks?
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