Dear punk-rock,

LSD is a hallucinogen, or a "psychedelic" drug. It is also called "acid." A person under the influence of LSD may experience dilated pupils, a rise in body temperature, an increased heart rate, a loss of appetite, and an inability to sleep. The effects of LSD can be very unpredictable, but it generally causes a person to have hallucinations or changes in sensory perceptions, especially time and space distortions that have psychotic features. These illusions, which can go on for eight to ten hours, are called "trips."

Sometimes these "trips" seem very meaningful; sometimes they are downright scary. Many LSD users claim that the drug has enhanced their lives. But the fact is that for many other people, using LSD has led to memory loss, speech impairment, unpredictable and disabling flashback "trips," acute anxiety, and long-lasting mental illnesses such as personality disorder or severe depression. These are serious side effects, and they are definitely no fun,

Aside from the fact that LSD is illegal, continued use of it can lead to psychological addiction, which increases the risk of these many negative side effects. If you or someone you know is facing drug addiction, there's help.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.