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The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain
Isabella Cortez
Department of Psychology, Grand Canyon
University PSY 102: General Psychology
Dr. Jones
2/2/2024
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The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain
While research into how drugs affect consciousness is still ongoing, there has already
been numerous discoveries found that show the impact of drugs on your brain. Drugs modify
moods, emotions, and behaviors by affecting the brain and body, altering a person's perceptions
and brain chemistry, and altering how they interact with their environment (Watkins, 2022).
This study will examine the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as
LSD, on the brain, sensation, perception, and consciousness, as well as the elements of addiction
associated to this substance.
Drug Description
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, acid, or microdots) is a synthetic (man-made)
substance that has been misused for its hallucinogenic characteristics since the 1960s (National
Drugs Intelligence Center, 2006). It is a clear or white, odorless, water-soluble substance
generated from lysergic acid, a rye fungus chemical. LSD is first created in crystalline form,
which is then used to create tablets known as "microdots" or thin pieces of gelatin known as
"window panes." It can also be offered in liquid form after being diluted with water or alcohol.
However, the most popular form is LSD-soaked paper perforated into small individual squares
(NIDA, 2023). LSD is often taken orally; the drug is either ingested or absorbed through the oral
tissues (paper squares). It has a somewhat bitter flavor and is colorless and odorless (National
Drugs Intelligence Center, 2006).
Effects on the Brain
One explanation for the complexity of LSD's sensory effects in the brain is the fact that it
can vary in different effects on the receptors but not in the same way each time. Serotonin
neurons are the primary target of LSD's effects. Serotonin receptors are occupied by LSD, which
The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain
Isabella Cortez
Department of Psychology, Grand Canyon
University PSY 102: General Psychology
Dr. Jones
2/2/2024
, 2
The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain
While research into how drugs affect consciousness is still ongoing, there has already
been numerous discoveries found that show the impact of drugs on your brain. Drugs modify
moods, emotions, and behaviors by affecting the brain and body, altering a person's perceptions
and brain chemistry, and altering how they interact with their environment (Watkins, 2022).
This study will examine the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as
LSD, on the brain, sensation, perception, and consciousness, as well as the elements of addiction
associated to this substance.
Drug Description
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, acid, or microdots) is a synthetic (man-made)
substance that has been misused for its hallucinogenic characteristics since the 1960s (National
Drugs Intelligence Center, 2006). It is a clear or white, odorless, water-soluble substance
generated from lysergic acid, a rye fungus chemical. LSD is first created in crystalline form,
which is then used to create tablets known as "microdots" or thin pieces of gelatin known as
"window panes." It can also be offered in liquid form after being diluted with water or alcohol.
However, the most popular form is LSD-soaked paper perforated into small individual squares
(NIDA, 2023). LSD is often taken orally; the drug is either ingested or absorbed through the oral
tissues (paper squares). It has a somewhat bitter flavor and is colorless and odorless (National
Drugs Intelligence Center, 2006).
Effects on the Brain
One explanation for the complexity of LSD's sensory effects in the brain is the fact that it
can vary in different effects on the receptors but not in the same way each time. Serotonin
neurons are the primary target of LSD's effects. Serotonin receptors are occupied by LSD, which
