Reducing the harm

The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. We also realise that there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner.  Thus, in order to keep New Zealand’s communities safe, we provide information about proven methods of drug harm minimisation.

LSD is active at extremely low doses and is highly unpredictable, causing negative hallucinations, impairing the ability to make sensible judgements and understand common dangers. Therefore it is best to take the drug when in a calm and relaxed environment in the presence of peers with whom there is a positive relationship. This will increase the likelihood a safe experience.

If users are experiencing a bad trip, the best solution is to remove disturbing influences and place the user in a safe and comforting environment. The best action is to talk calmly to the user and constantly reassure them that things are all right, and that the bad effects will end soon.

Do not combine LSD with other drugs including alcohol. This can trigger unpredictable effects such as bad trips.

Injecting users should always use clean needles and return used needles to a needle exchange service. This will help prevent blood-borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.