MDMA and LSD consumption by young people and adolescents: harmful effects on mental health

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the mental health consequences of the consumption of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) by young people and adolescents. Bibliographic review: This article discusses and analyzes the rampant consumption of LSD and MDMA by young people and adolescent. The exponential growth of the illegal drug trade and the creation of new hallucinogens justifies the need to debate the consumption of these narcotics by this population. As result, the analyses revealed that adolescent and young university students are among the biggest consumers of these substances, moreover, raves, parties and bars being the main places where these drugs are consumed. In addition, it was observed that these drugs can cause, the short and long-term, damage to the individual's biopsychosocial well-being, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, discouragement, irritability, panic syndrome, as well as intensifying suicidal thoughts and acts. Final considerations: It’s considered the need to broaden the view of the problems associated with drug use in this population, identifying risk groups based on the social, family and personal aspects of the people.