Psychedelics, while offering profound experiences, can also present risks. Here's some general information and harm reduction advice for those considering their use:

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1. Set and Setting: As previously mentioned, your mindset ("set") and environment ("setting") play vital roles in influencing the outcome of a psychedelic experience. Ensure you're in a safe, comfortable place, preferably with a trusted, sober friend or guide.

2. Research the Substance: Different psychedelics have varying effects, duration, and risks. It's essential to research any substance thoroughly before consuming it.

3. Start with a Low Dose: Especially if you're unfamiliar with a substance, start with a low dose to see how your body reacts. This reduces the risk of an overwhelming or negative experience. (Learn more about Microdosing)

4. Test the Substance: Due to the illegality of many psychedelics, there's a risk of getting adulterated or mislabeled products. Testing kits can help verify the substance and purity. You can find these online and sometimes in headshops.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water, but avoid drinking excessively to prevent hyponatremia.

6. Avoid Mixing Substances: Combining psychedelics with other drugs, including alcohol and prescription drugs, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Ask your doctor if you have concerns of drug interactions.

7. Have a Trip Sitter: Especially for higher doses or unfamiliar substances, have a trusted, sober individual nearby to help guide the experience and intervene if necessary.

8. Plan Ahead: Ensure you have a full day (or more, depending on the substance) free from obligations. Driving or making important decisions while under the influence is risky and ill-advised.

9. Mind your Mental Health: If you have a history of mental health challenges, especially conditions like psychosis or schizophrenia, it's important to understand that psychedelics may intensify these issues. The nature of these substances is such that they can reveal or deepen the exploration of complex emotions, uncover past traumas, and present significant mental challenges. This underscores the importance of having a supportive trip sitter by your side to offer guidance and reassurance throughout your journey. Always consult a healthcare professional before deciding to use psychedelics to ensure it's safe for you. Should you find yourself feeling overwhelmed during the experience, it's crucial to remind yourself that you have consumed psychedelics and that the sensations you're experiencing are temporary. Adopting a mindset of relaxation, rather than resistance, can be beneficial. Enhance your environment to support this by adjusting the lighting to something soothing, playing calming music, and making sure you're in a comfortable setting. Look into our page on integration and find a trusted professional to guide you post-trip.

10. Aftercare: The experience can continue to affect one's emotions and cognition days or weeks after. Ensure you have time to rest, reflect, and integrate the experience. Talking with a friend or therapist can help process the journey.

11. Legal Implications: Be aware of the legal status of the substance in your jurisdiction. Possession, sale, or use of many psychedelics is illegal in many places and can lead to criminal charges. This is why it is critically important to practice safe consumption habits if you have chosen to do so.

12. Seek Immediate Help if Necessary: If someone has a dangerous reaction, is suicidal, or exhibits other alarming behaviors, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 if you're having an emergency and need help immediately.

Remember, while many find psychedelics enlightening or therapeutic, they aren't suitable for everyone, and there's no guarantee of a positive experience. Always prioritize safety and well-being. Staying safe is our number one priority for all of our Friends!