Tala Hammond

Gustavo Ibarra
Life, Society, & Drugs
4 December, 2015
Journal 4: LSD and other Hallucinogen Drugs
Lysergic acid diethylamide is one of the worlds most known and used
hallucinogens. According to the National Institute of drug abuse
hallucinogenic compounds have been found in some plants and mushrooms
(or their extracts) for centuries. Its estimated that as many as 6,000 plant
species around the world have some psychoactive properties. LSD falls into
the category of hallucinogens, it resembles the chemical make-up of
serotonin, along with psilocybin, morning glory seeds, DMT, and harmine.
LSD is a synthetic derivative of lysergic acid which is a compound found in
Ergot. Ergot is a mold in Rye and other grains.
LSD was originally discovered by Albert Hoffman in 1938. He
discovered it on accident. He had brushed his fingers along it unaware of its
strong hallucinogenic effects. It absorbed into his blood stream and he
tripped. LSD resembles the structure of Serotonin. The effects of LSD largely
depend on the amount taken. The short term effects are dilated pupils; rising
body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure; and can cause
profuse sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.
Most users of LSD voluntarily decrease their usage or stop all together over
time. LSD in not considered an addictive drug since it does not produce

compulsive drug seeking behavior. It does, however, produce a tolerance

faster than many other substances some users who take LSD repeatedly
over a short time find themselves needing higher doses to feel the same
level of intoxication they achieved before.