LSD Essay

By William Sampson
Lysergic acid diethylamide, or better known as LSD was invented by Albert Hoffman in
1938 in an attempt to find a blood stimulant. After accidentally absorbing a small amount of the
drug through his fingertips, Hoffman realized the powerful and pleasant psychedelic effects the
drug had and researched the psychological effects of the drug years after. This quote is from
Hoffman's journal and is his description of his first LSD trip
I suddenly became strangely inebriated. The external world
became changed as in a dream. Objects appeared to gain inrelief;
they assumed unusual dimensions; and colors became more glowing.
Even self-perception and the sense of time were changed. When the
eyes were closed, colored pictures flashed past in a quickly changing
kaleidoscope. After a few hours, the not unpleasant inebriation,
which had been experienced whilst I was fully conscious, disappeared.
what had caused this condition?

LSD is a schedule one illegal psychoactive substance of the ergoline family which is known for
causing hallucinations, synesthesia, altered perception of time, and an altered state of
consciousness. The drug was made illegal after its overusage in the 1960s where it was used
recreationally and as an entheogen. Despite being illegal, many psychologists believe this
substance could have benefits in helping with psychological analysis. There are many
dangerous myths perpetuated about this substance from anti-drug associations which often
prevent serious research from being done into the true nature of this drug. Because of this,
scientists still only hold vague notions as to how LSD works and what it actually does to the
brain.
Despite being a Schedule one drug, which means that the government recognizes no
medical use for LSD whatsoever, the drug is being studied in the University of Harvard and the

University of California as a treatment for chronic headaches and migraines. In Switzerland it is

being studied for its therapeutic effects and has been shown to help cancer patients overcome
anxiety. It has also shown to have a fifty percent cure rate for alcoholism. Despite evidence of
this drug being useful in psychoanalytical studies, it is almost impossible to receive funding or
federal approval for experimentation, even though the government experimented with the
substance themselves in the illegal MKultra project, which tested the effects of LSD as an
enhanced interrogation technique substance on unsuspecting citizens during the cold war.
How LSD actually causes altered perception is widely unknown due to lack of research.
According to studies done in the University of Bristol, it is believed that LSD mimics serotonin in
the brain, LSD acts on the HT2A serotonin receptor which regulates mood and perception. Due
to the structural and chemical similarities, the brain mistakes LSD for serotonin. LSD molecules
bond to receptors in the brain and redirects signals to older parts of the brain. However it is
unsure whether LSD inhibits neurotransmission or stimulates it. The chemical has a variety
biological effects including dilated pupils, increased blood pressure and heart rate. It is unsure
why these effects take place.
Despite the beneficial possibilities for this substance in psychological and medical
research, many myths are spread about this drug. These myths are founded on fear and drug
hysteria. Despite many claims, LSD is not addictive as other schedule I drugs such as heroin
and cocaine are. Another myth surrounding this substance is that substance abuse can and will
cause flashbacks up to years after the psychedelic experience. Although Hallucinogen
persisting perception disorder, Or HPPD, is a real disorder that can cause flashbacks to happen
after the initial trip wear off, only four percent of reported LSD users found that they experienced
hallucinations days after the initial trip. It is also unclear whether this four percent was actually a
cause of the drug instead of some other form of psychosis. Another Myth surrounding LSD is
that it is easy for someone to overdose on it. Unlike heroin or cocaine, there have been no

reported deaths due to an overdose of LSD. however with large overdoses can cause high
blood pressure, hypothermia and a high heart rate.
This drug has been linked to spiritual experiences and has been treated as an
entheogen, or chemical substance used as a sacrament. LSD users commonly feel in contact
with a spiritual force or higher being when on a trip. Users often experience a very lucid state of
mind where out of body experiences are common. Organizations such as the New American
Church and the league for spiritual discovery treats LSD as a sacrament and a way to inner
peace. Drugs such as peyote and psilocybin which are very similar to LSD are used legally by
Native Americans on reservations as a tool for exploring one's own consciousness and to
encourage the realization of a spiritual epiphany. Albert Hoffman himself believed that the
substance had enormous spiritual potential and wrote this in his journal about his thoughts.

By observing natural scientific discoveries through a perception deepened by meditation, we can

develop a new awareness of reality. This awareness could become the bedrock of a spirituality that is
not based on the dogmas of a given religion, but on insights into a higher and deeper meaning. I am
referring to the ability to recognize, to read, and to understand the firsthand revelations.

During LSD trips, it is possible to have a disturbing experience with frightening visuals
and feelings of anxiety and terror, such experiences are called having a bad trip. It is unsure
why these experiences occur and who will have them. However these experiences can be
avoided by focusing on positive thoughts and remaining calm. In rare cases, a bad trip can
result in unsafe physical activity such as running into traffic or jumping off of buildings. These
experiences are often linked with with setting and outward stimuli. Psychiatrist R.D. laing
believed that such terrors were not artificial but were a result of suppressed internal conflict and
could be used as a way of self healing. The experiences differ widely from person to person so
it's impossible to describe what exactly happens during a bad trip.

In conclusion, LSD is a schedule one illegal drug which is known to cause visual and
auditory hallucinations as well as a change in awareness. Despite being a scheduled one drug,
this substance has shown possible medical and psychiatric uses for alcoholism, anxiety,
migraines, and other persisting disorders. This drug has been the subject of many myths since
its popularity in the 60s and 70s died down. Such myths include the notion that substance is
heavily addictive, and that it is easy to overdose. These myths are perpetrated by drug hysteria
and impede scientific progress. It is important to for psychiatrists and pharmacologists to realize
the full potential of this substance so that possible cures can be utilized. This substance has
also been used as an entheogen by spiritual groups and is believed to be a gateway to our
unconscious mind. Despite benefits shown from this drug, dangerous trips can cause someone
to accidentally inflict harm on themselves and others. Such bad trips can cause very frightening
and harmful experiences, but can be avoided by remaining calm. Such experiences are
believed to be a resolution of internal conflicts.