It’s always safest not to take drugs.
You can never be sure of the strength or contents of drugs. Tabs that look the same can contain different amounts of LSD. They may also contain other drugs that cause hallucinations, such as 2C-B.
Ways to reduce risks from LSD
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you use LSD. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Consider if there is extra risk for you - such as health conditions or how you feel.
There are always risks if you use drugs. But some people may be more at risk than others.
If you or someone in your family has any health conditions or mental health difficulties, you may be more at risk of a drug emergency.
For example, if you have a history of psychosis.
It can be hard to know your level of risk. Some people have health conditions and do not know it.
If you feel low, anxious or stressed, you are more at risk of a negative or challenging experience.
Be with people you trust and look out for each other - do not use alone.
Pick a meeting point and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Start with a small amount and wait 2 hours before you take more.
This is to reduce the risk of an overdose or drug emergency.
The contents or strength of drugs can vary, even in the same batch.
If you start with a small amount, you can:
- see how you react
- stop if you get an effect you did not expect or do not want
For example, cut a tab in half diagonally.
It can take up to 2 hours for some effects to happen. If you take too much too soon, it increases your risk.
Stay in a safe place away from risks such as heights, roads or water.
This is to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. LSD can affect your control of your body and make you less aware of your surroundings.
Try to be in a calm place.
Noisy or busy places can cause an overwhelming experience. For example, at a club or festival.
Plan a safe way to get home.
It is dangerous to drive if drugs are in your system. You could harm yourself or other people. A drug can still be in your system even if you do not feel the effects.
Keep track of what you use.
Leave as long as possible between use. Wait at least a few months to reduce the risk of problems with your mental health and wellbeing.
Know what to do in case of a challenging experience.
If you know what to do during a challenging experience, it could stop a situation getting worse and help you support someone.
But it is always safest to get medical advice if someone has overwhelming or unexpected effects.
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of a drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Mixing LSD with alcohol or other drugs
Using LSD with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects.
There is a higher risk of negative effects if you mix LSD with substances that have similar effects.
For example:
- increased paranoia - if you take it with drugs such as cocaine or cannabis
- severe nausea or vomiting - if you take it with alcohol
- an overwhelming or challenging experience - if you take it with drugs that cause hallucinations
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else has taken LSD and has:
- thoughts of suicide
- a very fast or irregular heartbeat
- severe distress, confusion or panic - they cannot calm down and may be a danger to themselves or others
Stay with the person until help arrives.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about LSD use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can get support. This can be when LSD use affects your health, relationships, work or other areas of your life.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie