Effective treatment is available for these rare eventualities, but victims must reach treatment facilities in time. While these drugs are used less widely than in previous decades, they are more often used in a relatively controlled manner. They are generally less harmful than opiates, alcohol or tobacco. Deaths from these drugs alone are almost unknown in Australia. They are non-addictive psychedelic drugs, causing altered states of perception and hallucinations.
Subjects often develop a syndrome like schizophrenia with paranoia, delusions and voices.
This is usually short lived and reversible. It can sometimes be intensely unpleasant, leading to the term 'a bad trip'. Some cases of massive LSD overdose have been reported to cause a permanent psychotic disorder. This is usually unintentional and may result from 'concentrate' being taken in place of the diluted form. The administration of large doses of anti-psychotic drugs to someone on LSD is also dangerous.