Acid (LSD)

What is it
LSD, or acid, was originally derived from lysergic acid, a fungus that grows on rye and grains. Produces profound hallucinations and acts as a stimulant. Now reproduced in crude labs.

What it looks like
Sold as a tablet or thin squares on absorbent paper to be eaten or licked off, sometimes sold in capsule or liquid. A "hit" or dose can cost $5 for a "trip."

What it does
LSD acts on the part of the brain responsible for sensory perception and causes hallucinations. Effects are unpredictable; they depend on amount taken, the user's personality and mood, and the surroundings.

• A lower dose can cause dry mouth, sleeplessness and loss of appetite.
• A moderate dose will cause hallucinations, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• A higher dose can cause numbness, weakness, trembling and nausea.
• An overdose usually means the user is having a "bad trip" and can exhibit severe psychotic behavior such as bizarre, terrifying thoughts, fear of losing control and paranoia.

Why be concerned
Long-term use can cause severe depression, possible schizophrenia, and flashbacks (now called "hallucinogen persisting perception disorder"). Chronic users develop a tolerance to acid and have to take more each time to get "high."