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LSD. Its rise, fall, and renewed popularity among high school students
1Department of Pediatric Research, Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use has surged among young Caucasians, with a 25% rise in usage rates and increased related arrests and emergency room visits. This trend highlights a concerning disregard for LSD
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Reports indicate a resurgence of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use.
- This trend is particularly noted among Caucasian middle-class high school and college students nationwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the increasing prevalence of LSD use among adolescents in the 1990s.
- To analyze the associated rise in LSD-related arrests, emergency room visits, and adverse behavioral outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the annual NIDA high school senior survey.
- Comparison of 1993 usage rates with mean values from 1985-1990.
- Examination of LSD-related arrest and seizure data from 1992.
- Review of adolescent emergency room visits and reported violent behaviors linked to LSD use.
Main Results:
- A 25% increase in lifetime, annual, and monthly LSD use rates was observed in 1993 compared to 1985-1990.
- Increases in LSD-related arrests and seizures of larger LSD quantities occurred in 1992.
- Adolescent emergency room visits related to LSD increased.
- LSD-associated violent behaviors, including suicide, homicide, and accidental deaths, were higher than in the preceding five-year period.
- A decreased perception of danger associated with trying LSD once or twice among high school students was noted.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a significant comeback of LSD use among youth in the 1990s.
- There is a concerning trend of reduced perceived risk associated with LSD use.
- Lessons regarding the dangers of LSD appear to be forgotten by the current generation of young people.