T3 health assessment drugs

Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD or by street names like acid, tabs, and sugar cubes, is a powerful synthetic psychedelic drug that drastically alters senses and awareness, appearing as a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is typically taken by mouth in liquid, paper, tablet, or capsule form.

Teenagers often try substances like this to fit in with peers, cope with emotional stress, or satisfy natural curiosity, experiencing short-term effects such as increased heart rate and euphoria or frightening bad trips, as well as long-term risks like mental health triggers and perception flashbacks, even though the drug does not cause physical addiction.

Under New Zealand law, LSD is classified as a high-risk Class A substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, meaning personal possession under Section 7 can result in fines or jail time, while supplying, manufacturing, or importing it under Section 6 carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. To stay safe around LSD, individuals should never take the drug alone and should always ensure a trusted, sober trip sitter is present.

Pro Drugs Assignment

 

Information to be included:

1. 1. Drug name Lysergic acid diethylamide
2. Street Names (Other names for the drug) Acid, tabs, sugar cubes, LSD.
3. 3. What is it? (Description of the drug) a powerful synthetic psychedelic and hallucinogenic drug that drastically alters a person’s senses, thoughts, and awareness
4. 4. What does the drug look like? Use words and pictures. A white, odorless, and tasteless crystalline powder.
5. How is it used? Use words or pictures. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is typically taken by mouth in liquid, paper, tablet, or capsule form
6. What causes some teenagers to use drugs? State 3 reasons.  Teenagers often use drugs to fit in with peers, cope with emotional stress, or satisfy natural curiosity.
7. 7. What are the positives and negatives of this drug? To answer this question, you need to include information on short-term and long-term effects on wellbeing, e.g. physically the drug can cause.                                                                                                                            Short-Term Effects

• Physical changes: Dilated pupils, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, tremors, and nausea.
• Positive psychological effects: Euphoria, a sense of general wellbeing, intense emotional insights, and vivid visual or auditory hallucinations.
• Negative psychological effects: Confusion, anxiety, paranoia, and frightening “bad trips” that induce panic.
• Impaired judgment: Altered time and space perception can lead to dangerous decisions or accidental injuries. 

Long-Term Effects

• Mental health risks: LSD can trigger or worsen underlying psychiatric disorders like persistent psychosis or schizophrenia. 
• Perception disorders: Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) causes unpredictable flashbacks or persistent visual disturbances long after use. 
• Tolerance: Users rapidly build a tolerance, meaning they need larger amounts to get the same effect, which heightens the risk of adverse reactions. 
• Lack of physical dependence: The drug does not cause physical addiction or chemical withdrawal symptoms when stopped

           

8. 8.  What are the laws in NZ for your drug? Cover at least 3 laws.                                                          Class A Drug Classification

• Class A Status: LSD is listed as a very high-risk substance in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. This means the law treats it with the highest level of strictness. 

Possession and Use Offences

• Section 7 Offence: Under Section 7 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, it is illegal to have or use LSD.
• Penalties: Having any amount of LSD for personal use can lead to a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. 

Supply, Manufacture, and Dealing Offences

• Section 6 Offence: Under Section 6 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, it is illegal to sell, supply, manufacture, or bring LSD into New Zealand.
• Penalties: Supplying, making, or importing LSD carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment because it is a Class A drug.

9. What strategies (ideas) would you suggest to a teenager about things that they could do to keep themselves safe around your chosen drug? : Never take LSD alone. Having a trusted, sober person present often called a “trip sitter” can help manage unexpected distress, physical accidents, or panic.

1o. Decision Making- read the scenario and fill in the boxes

 

Scenario	Options *What are 3 options you could take?	Consequences *What are the consequences of each option?	Feelings *Try to cover a positive and a negative feeling	Best option and why it would be best for your hauora
It is the start of interval; you receive a text. The text is from your friend. Your friend tells you to meet them at the back of the field to use (insert your drug) with them.	Say no	Making your friend dislike you	Friend dislikes  You didn’t do the drugs	Taha Tinana (Physical): Keeps your body completely safe from the unpredictable and harmful physical effects of illegal substances. Taha Hinengaro (Mental/Emotional): Prevents the anxiety, fear, and panic that can come from a bad trip or the stress of getting caught at school. Taha Whānau (Social): Helps you set healthy boundaries with peers and keeps you out of trouble, protecting your relationship with your family. Taha Wairua (Spiritual): Helps you stay true to your personal values, building self-respect and confidence in making your own choices.
	2. Say yes	Possible get caught or get addicted to LSD	You start to depend on it You feel good
	3. Say “Let’s go to the canteen instead	you stay safe from drugs while trying to keep the friendship, though your friend might still choose to go without you.	Positive: Relieved that you didn’t take the drug. Negative: Anxious about whether your friend will be upset or judge you.