@article{ref1,
title="Tripping into the unknown: exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights",
journal="Journal of psychopharmacology",
year="2024",
author="Baxter, Luke and Puljević, Cheneal and Piatkowski, Tim and Ferris, Jason and Davies, Emma L. and Barratt, Monica J. and Winstock, Adam",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The recreational use of LSD, a synthetic psychedelic drug, has surged in recent years, coinciding with a renewed research focus on its potential psychotherapeutic properties. <br><br>AIM: This study aims to describe the experiences and perceptions of individuals engaging in LSD use for the first time, derived from a large international sample. <br><br>METHODS: This study utilised 2018 Global Drug Survey data collected from 6 November 2017 to 10 January 2018. Participants who initiated LSD use in the preceding 12 months answered questions on their experiences, social settings, harm-reduction behaviours, and demographics. Descriptive statistics were employed, and characteristics of those seeking emergency medical treatment (EMT) and those not planning further LSD use were compared with other respondents. <br><br>RESULTS: Among 3340 respondents who used LSD in the past year, their first-time experiences generally exceeded expectations, with 97.7% expressing excitement. Adverse and unwanted side effects were rarely reported, and only 17 individuals needed EMT. Feelings of fear were reported by most (64.1%), but only very mildly and not enough to put them off from wanting to use LSD again. <br><br>DISCUSSION: Although the occurrence of unwanted side effects seems low and the LSD experience is generally pleasurable, vigilance amid the rising illicit use of LSD through harm-reduction education is still important in preventing possible risks.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0269-8811",
doi="10.1177/02698811241254837",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02698811241254837"
}