LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a potent hallucinogen that can alter perception, mood, and a person’s sense of time or surroundings. The experience can be unpredictable.
Health effects and risks
Possible effects include altered sensory perception, anxiety, confusion, and impaired judgment. These changes can increase the risk of accidents or distress. Some people report persistent perception changes after use. Anyone experiencing severe confusion, injury, or danger should get urgent help.
Testing and next steps
Drug screens vary by specimen and by the substances listed on a test’s panel. Check the instructions and panel before selecting a test; do not assume every product detects this substance. A home screen is preliminary. For more on specimen types, read Drug Testing Methods; for a preliminary positive result, read Unexpected or Preliminary Positive Results. The Substance Information hub lists the current staging test options.
Sources and support
See the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Commonly Abused Drugs chart for a general overview. For confidential U.S. treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Call 911 for a medical emergency.