Tripping into the unknown: Exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights.
J Psychopharmacol
; 38(8): 735-748, 2024 Aug.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38804544
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The recreational use of LSD, a synthetic psychedelic drug, has surged in recent years, coinciding with a renewed research focus on its potential psychotherapeutic properties.AIM:
This study aims to describe the experiences and perceptions of individuals engaging in LSD use for the first time, derived from a large international sample.METHODS:
This study utilised 2018 Global Drug Survey data collected from 6 November 2017 to 10 January 2018. Participants who initiated LSD use in the preceding 12 months answered questions on their experiences, social settings, harm-reduction behaviours, and demographics. Descriptive statistics were employed, and characteristics of those seeking emergency medical treatment (EMT) and those not planning further LSD use were compared with other respondents.RESULTS:
Among 3340 respondents who used LSD in the past year, their first-time experiences generally exceeded expectations, with 97.7% expressing excitement. Adverse and unwanted side effects were rarely reported, and only 17 individuals needed EMT. Feelings of fear were reported by most (64.1%), but only very mildly and not enough to put them off from wanting to use LSD again.DISCUSSION:
Although the occurrence of unwanted side effects seems low and the LSD experience is generally pleasurable, vigilance amid the rising illicit use of LSD through harm-reduction education is still important in preventing possible risks.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Hallucinogens
/
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
J Psychopharmacol
Journal subject:
PSICOFARMACOLOGIA
Year:
2024
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom