Expert: Jacqui - 7/14/2009

Question
Jacqui,

I wouldn't call myself a druggie, but I'm definitely not averse to occasional opiate binge.

I'm a twenty-one-year-old male, and this is a question that goes against every logical bone in my body, but here we are:

Does one-time LSD use cause brain damage?  I just read that Steve Jobs called his first trip "one of the most important  things I've ever done."

I'm curious about acid, but I would never forsake my intellect if such an experience could do anything, er, "lasting."

As for harm reduction, have you checked out season three of "The Wire"?  It's a (teehee) trip.  I'm not sure whether you Aussies have HBO, but it's something that should be required viewing for any disciple of harm reduction.

Cheers.


Answer
Hi Jack,

Good question and it is nice to get something different to "how do I make my partner stop using".  

I have never heard of any brain damage from using LSD once. There is a great site called "Erowid" (http://www.erowid.org/) which has some great discussion boards about all psychoactive substances and they tend to take the approach from the users perspective.  

The main thing about LSD/acid use is that it should occur in a safe place, around people that you trust and preferably with someone who isn't using it to keep a check on everyone.  Given its strong psychoactive activity, care needs to be taken, especially in environments that can be contrued negatively.  As a psychodelic, small negative things can be interpretted as huge giving a "bad trip".  As with all drugs, if you are going to use it, you should obtain it from a trusted source.  True LSD is not always obtained and often people end up with other things that aren't as safe, so ask around.  

Finally, avoid mixing your drugs as this can increase risk.  As a hallucinogen , central nervous system depression isn't a risk, but often LSD can prevent people from sleeping and then they feel a bit lousy after it has worn of, and can be a bit strung out.  Lack of sleep is a risk for overdose on opiates, so just be careful the next day!

I haven't heard of The Wire, although we do have cable here and it might be on that.  I have seen a couple of episodes of Breaking Bad and Weeds and it is amusing that a country that has been so traditionally full on about the war on drugs, shows people involved in drug use in such a three dimensional fashion.  

Jack it is great to hear from you.  If you are interested in harm reduction and would like more info, let me know.  The international harm reduction association are a good source of info and they ahve a web site (good international harm reduction assocation).

Take it easy!!!  And whatever you do, do it safely!!!

Jacqui