“Candy flipping” is a term used to describe the combination of two potent drugs: MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or molly) and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide).
This combination results in an intense high that some people seek for its unique effects. However, it’s important to understand the potential dangers associated with candy flipping.
The History And Subculture Of Candy Flipping
The term candy flipping has its roots in the U.K. rave scene, a culture that thrived from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.
This period was characterized by a significant change in youth culture, where dance music and psychedelic experiences played a big role.
Party-goers during this time would often combine substances like MDMA and LSD to heighten their sensory experiences, which led to the birth of candy flipping.
Effects Of MDMA
MDMA primarily affects the brain by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
The surge in serotonin leads to elevated mood and feelings of closeness with others, while the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine contributes to heightened energy and alertness.
The use of ecstasy also comes with sometimes unpredictable side effects.
Side effects of MDMA can vary from person to person and may include:
- increased heart rate and blood pressure
- dehydration
- jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- muscle tension and cramping
- nausea and loss of appetite
- insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- sweating and increased body temperature
- blurred vision or eye twitching
- impaired coordination and balance
- anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia
Effects Of LSD
LSD operates differently from MDMA, mainly interacting with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor.
This interaction results in altered sensory perceptions and thought patterns, often referred to as a psychedelic experience.
The side effects of LSD may include:
- hallucinations and altered perceptions of reality
- distorted sense of time and space
- intense emotions or mood swings
- anxiety or paranoia
- panic attacks or feelings of impending doom
- flashbacks to previous LSD experiences
- difficulty concentrating or focusing
- impaired judgment and decision-making
- impaired coordination and balance
It is important to note that the intensity and duration of these side effects can vary from person to person, as well as depend on the dosage, individual sensitivity to the drug, and other factors.
The Risks Of Combining MDMA And LSD
People who combine drugs like MDMA and LSD in candy flipping report synergistic effects, where the combined impact of the drugs is greater than their individual effects.
Candy flipping raises serious concerns due to the unpredictable nature of combining these powerful substances.
People who do so may experience a range of psychological and physiological risks.
Psychological Risks
Candy flipping can lead to distressing hallucinations and extreme anxiety, commonly referred to as a “bad trip.”
In the short term, people may experience worsened symptoms of pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
There is also a risk of long-term effects, including the potential development of persistent psychosis or hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
Overdose Risk
The combination of MDMA and LSD can mask the individual effects of each drug, potentially leading to accidental overdose.
The key risks include:
- serotonin syndrome: a life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonin in the brain
- dehydration and hyperthermia: especially in active environments like raves or clubs
- cardiovascular stress: increased heart rate and blood pressure from the stimulant effects
Getting Help For Substance Abuse
Addiction to substances like MDMA and LSD is a serious issue. It can lead to significant health, social, and legal problems.
Resources are available for people seeking help with substance abuse, including a range of treatment options tailored to individual needs.
Common addiction treatment options include:
- behavioral therapies
- counseling
- group therapy
- 12-step recovery groups
- holistic treatment
Find Treatment Today
If you or someone you love is dealing with addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Treatment is available and recovery is possible.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Candyflipping and Other Combinations: Identifying Drug-Drug Combinations from an Online Forum https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5936764/
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736944/
