As a number of recent studies have begun illuminating the role that psychedelics can play in treating conditions such as depression, addiction, and PTSD, the conversation around responsible psychedelic use has become ever more important. Supplementing traditional western approaches with psychedelic treatment can result in substantial improvements, but it’s crucial to understand the precautions necessary for these experiences and how to manage potential risks.
CLASSIFYING PSYCHEDELICS
Firstly, understanding psychedelics is key. They are a class of drugs that produce profound changes in consciousness, including amplification of thoughts and feelings and altered perceptions of time and space. This diverse category includes substances such as LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), DMT, and mescaline.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
While psychedelics have tremendous potential as therapeutic tools, they should not be used without careful consideration and planning. The principles of psychedelic safety revolve around the three S’s: Set, Setting, and Situational Awareness.
Set refers to your mindset going into the experience. Do you feel mentally strong and positive? Are your intentions clear and your expectations manageable? Psychedelics can amplify pre-existing feelings—a contented mind may lead to a pleasant experience, but a troubled one may result in distress.
Setting, meanwhile, denotes the physical and social environment during your experience. A tranquil, familiar and comfortable place with minimal disturbances is optimal. Having a trusted individual – often referred to as a ‘sitter’ – accompany you is recommended. Their role is to support and reassure you, without influencing your journey.
Situational awareness essentially sums up the Set and Setting, and extends them into ongoing awareness and management – it’s responsible for looping you back into safety parameters and harm reduction practices.
POTENTIAL RISKS
While psychedelics can be physically safe when used responsibly, the psychological risks can be substantial. The most common risk following psychedelic use is the possibility of challenging experiences, or ‘bad trips’. These typically involve feelings of anxiety, fear, and confusion, although more severe reactions, like psychosis, are possible, especially in predisposed individuals. As such, people with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders should avoid using these substances.
A lesser known, but equally important risk, is that of psychological dependency. While psychedelics are not physically addictive, it is possible to form a moderate psychological dependence on them, where one constantly seeks the escape or enlightenment they provide, to the detriment of normal life.
GUIDANCE FOR RESPONSIBLE USE
Having a guide or sitter is an important facet of responsible psychedelic use. They provide reassurance and stability, helping to ground your experience and manage anxiety. Note that a well-trained sitter will never interfere with your experience, merely offering support as needed.
Controlling the dosage is another essential cautious practice. Starting with a small dose and very gradually increasing is a good rule of thumb, especially for first-timers. This approach enables you to gauge your individual sensitivity and response to the substance, thereby minimizing any potential adverse reactions.
Regular breaks between experiences allow you time to integrate and reflect. This helps you avoid getting swept up in the psychedelic experience at the expense of day-to-day responsibilities, and reduces risk of developing psychological dependency.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Psychonauts, adventurous individuals who use psychedelics to explore their minds, often champion the benefits and opportunities these substances can provide. However, without proper precautions and risk management, psychedelic experiences can result in harm. Balancing the potential risks and rewards requires careful thought, planning and respect for the power of these substances. By understanding and implementing precautions for psychedelic experiences and adhering to harm reduction practices, the potential benefits of these fascinating compounds can far outweigh the possible risks.