10 Safety Practices for Psychedelic Experiences
1. Psychedelics aren't for everyone
If you have a personal or family history of mental health challenges or are on prescribed medication, consult with a medical professional before taking psychedelics.
2. Show Respect
Psychedelics are powerful tools. Treating them with reverence can reduce risks and lead to positive outcomes.
3. Do Your Research
Do research before taking a psychedelic. Learn about dosage, length of experience, risks, and contraindications. Erowid is a good starting point.
4. Test Your Substance
Always test your drugs to make sure they are what you think they are. Start with DanceSafe!
5. Be Mindful of Set and Setting
Your set and setting will play an important role in your psychedelic experience. Set is your inner world. It includes your personality, beliefs, history, and current emotional state. Cultivate a calm, equanimous mind in the time leading up to your journey, using whatever practices are right for you. This can include time in nature, meditation, yoga, journaling, making art, and speaking to people you trust. Be aware that past trauma can arise, and be prepared to go through a potentially challenging yet healing experience. Setting is your external environment. It includes your physical location (indoors or outdoors; at your home or someone else’s; at a show or in ceremony; camping; the art on the walls or the objects you have with you); what you’re listening to; who you’re with (e.g., friends, a therapist, a shaman, a guide); the lighting; the smells; the weather/temperature. Think through each of these elements carefully, with an eye towards creating an environment that will foster trust, acceptance, and psychological safety. Avoid public settings.
6. Don't Go Solo
Do not journey at a moderate to high dose without a sober friend nearby who can provide a supportive, grounded presence.
If you do go solo be sure to also have the Fireside Project app downloaded or/and our number saved to your cell phone. 62-FIRESIDE/623.473.7433
7. Remember Basic Needs and Comforts
Make sure you have access to basic needs such as water and a restroom. Wear comfortable clothing. Have a blanket nearby.
8. Change The Setting
Changing the playlist or volume of your music, adjusting the lighting, adding or removing a layer of clothing, or going outside/inside can radically change your experience.
9. Establish Agreements & Boundaries
Before your journey begins, discuss boundaries and intentions with those who you’ll be journeying with. If you have a sitter, create an agreement with them stating if they indicate something that is happening needs to stop (for safety purposes or otherwise), you will abide without question.
10. Make Time For Integration
After your experience, take it slow in returning to the busy-ness of life. Share your experience with those who you journeyed with or others who you trust. Find ways to remain connected with and unpack the experience in ways such as expressive arts, journaling, meditation, or time in nature. Avoid making major life decisions in the immediate aftermath.
Fireside Project does not condone the use of illegal substances including psychedelics. If you choose to partake we encourage safety and awareness.
