becoming insane kept me in its grip." These
were Albert Hofmann's words after his second
experience with his own discovery LSD. Because
LSD intensifies the moods the LSD user could
experience a so-called 'bad trip' - especially if he
does not feel too good to begin with. During a
bad trip the fear can turn into panic. Everyday
objects can seem threatening, music may sound
like an artillery attack and a room may appear
as small as a shoe box. On rare occasions,
individuals with a certain predisposition can
become psychotic. Others may lose control and,
for instance, believe they actually can fly.
Short
I
term
* 'Bad trip' (anxiety- and panic attacks).
* Loss of sense of reality.
Medium term
Psychosis.
01141 term
'Flashbacks'.
Is LSD addictive?
No, not physically and very rarely
psychologically. The effects of a trip often are
so intense that only very few individuals long
for a new dose of LSD
quickly. In addition, a pause of at least three
days is necessary for being able to feel the
effects of LSD again. After repeated use within a
short period of time, the effects of LSD are no
longer felt.
Mushrooms
As the effects of mushrooms are not as strong as
those of LSD, the risks are not as alarming
either although the 'Liberty Cap could go down
the wrong way.
Are mushrooms addictive?
No. When mushroom use is stopped abruptly,
the user does not experience any withdrawal
symptoms. Nor is there any psychological
addiction to mushrooms. Using in quick
succession during a short period of time is
pointless anyway, since the effects of the
mushrooms can then no longer be felt.
Can mushroom use lead to aggression?
Theoretically, a user could behave recklessly
during an LSD- or mushroom trip. In addition,
the panic attacks during a 'bad trip' could
provoke aggressive behaviour.