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Guide
Harm Reduction
Research
Last Updated: January 20, 2024
Psychedelic Experience Determinants
Psychedelic experiences can vary tremendously, and are sometimes unpredictable, but are most influenced by these factors:
A psychedelic experience is influenced by the set and setting. Set refers to the drug as well as the mindset of the person taking it. What is the dose, duration, and purity of the drug?
What is the person’s intention, their emotional state, and their previous experience with the substance?
Setting refers to the physical environment: noise, lighting, other people, familiarity, safety. Changes in set and setting can radically shift a psychedelic experience.
Substance
Mixing substances is never recommended. Every different drug will have different manifestations and reactions, but there are some generalities. It is very important to know the active duration of what you’re taking.
All psychedelics have a similar pattern: there’s the doorway with different physical, mental and emotional manifestations. There is a buildup, then an extended stay on a plateau, then the coming down, re-entry.
What You Should Know
1) Never Mix Psychedelics With Alcohol
While alcohol can dull the hallucinogenic effects of LSD, it can sometimes exacerbate the effects of psychedelic drugs, leading to panic, fear, and sometimes, outright hostility. The most violent and aggressive reactions are reported when people mix psychedelics with alcohol, that’s when t. It’s a mistake first-timers often make because they decide to try their first psychedelic after they’ve already been drinking, or neglect to let the drug take effect before they add alcohol to the mix.
2) Know That Psychedelics Can Bring Up Past Trauma
Psychedelics have a way of bringing up memories of a past trauma (including abuse and assault), which is a quick path to a bad trip. Other times, users will simply feel like they’ve gone crazy. If you happen to experience this, try to keep calm and ask yourself “Why do you feel that way?”. Remember it’s just part of the experience.
3) The Trip Sitter
Also known as a sober sitter or co-pilot, a trip sitter is the person who remains sober to ensure the safety of the travelers, while they are under the influence of a mind-altering substance. When you are just starting to experiment with psychedelics, or if you want to take higher dosage than you’re used to, a sober companion is highly recommended as harm reduction, to keep you safe during your journey.If you are looking to find a Trip Sitter for your psychedelic experience, or if you were asked to be a Trip Sitter to someone you know, this guide is a good start to understand the key aspects of this important task.