LSD. Bad. Bad. He Told US Navy Sailors Why.

This is a clip from a film the U.S. Navy made to influence sailors not to take LSD in 1967. The Navy doctor went out of his way to state the facts that were available at that time. If you have taken LSD, you may or may not agree with these facts. I'd be interested to hear your comments in response.

The use of LSD and other psychedelics was widespread among the counterculture of the 1960s. When individuals using these substances ended up in medical institutions or psychiatric hospitals, their conditions varied, depending on various factors such as dosage, individual sensitivity, or the presence of any underlying mental health conditions.
Here are some of the manifestations that were observed at that time:
Physical Effects:
Dilated pupils: One of the common physical symptoms of LSD use.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure: This could sometimes lead to palpitations or feelings of anxiety in the user.
Tremors: Some users would exhibit tremulousness or shakiness.
Nausea: Though more commonly associated with other psychedelics, some LSD users could feel nauseous.
Increased body temperature: Some individuals reported feeling either very hot or very cold.
Sweating or chills: These are common responses to the altered state brought about by LSD.
Mental/Psychological Effects:
Hallucinations: Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations are common with LSD.
Depersonalization: This is a feeling of being detached from oneself.
Derealization: This is a feeling that the world is strange or unreal.
Paranoia: Some users felt extremely paranoid or believed that they were being persecuted.
Panic attacks or extreme anxiety: These were among the reasons why individuals might be brought to hospitals.
Flashbacks: Some individuals experienced spontaneous, recurring episodes where they would re-experience the sensations or hallucinations from their trip.
Aggravation of underlying mental health issues: Those with predispositions to conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder could potentially have their symptoms exacerbated by LSD use.
Bad trips: A negative, frightening, or overwhelming experience while on LSD. This could involve intense anxiety, fear, paranoia, or even terrifying hallucinations.

The approach to treating individuals who had bad trips or adverse reactions to psychedelic drugs like LSD varied depending on the severity of the symptoms, the individual's overall mental health, and the prevailing practices of the institution or hospital. By the 1960s and 1970s, the medical community had developed several methods to address acute and chronic reactions to psychedelics:
Immediate Care (for acute symptoms):
Talking down: This was a common practice, especially in the immediate aftermath of a bad trip. Health professionals would try to reassure the individual, offering a calm and supportive environment to help the person return to a more grounded state.
Medication: Benzodiazepines (like Valium or Ativan) might be administered to reduce anxiety and agitation. In cases of severe psychosis, antipsychotic medications (like Thorazine) might be used.
Extended Care (for long-term symptoms):
Psychotherapy: This was a primary mode of treatment. Therapists would work with the individual to help them process their experience, address any underlying psychological issues, and provide coping mechanisms.
Group Therapy: Group settings could be beneficial for some individuals to share their experiences and feelings with others who had similar experiences. It offered a platform for mutual understanding and support.
Medication: For those who exhibited ongoing symptoms of psychosis, depression, or other mental health disorders, appropriate psychiatric medications might be prescribed.
Education: Teaching patients about the effects and potential dangers of drug use, including the risk of recurrent hallucinogenic persisting perception disorder (often referred to as "flashbacks").
Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration:
Occupational therapy: Engaging the patient in productive activities to help reorient them to daily life.
Social skills training: Some patients, especially those who might have been deeply entrenched in drug culture, were provided with skills training to help them reintegrate into society.
Family therapy: Families were sometimes involved in the therapeutic process, especially if the individual was young. This would help families understand the experience of the patient and provide an appropriate support system at home.

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Thank you
David Hoffman filmmaker