First Steps to Psychedelics: Part 1

Feeling a little unsure about taking your first steps into the world of psychedelics?

You are not alone. That sense of trepidation is a common experience, and entirely understandable when considering venturing into the unknown.

You are contemplating stepping into a new landscape with the potential for profound beauty and perhaps a few unexpected turns. Just like preparing for any significant journey, a little nervousness is natural. And honestly? That can be a good sign, as it shows you're taking this seriously and approaching it with respect.

Navigating the landscape of responsible first steps to psychedelics is a journey in itself, and to ensure we cover it with the depth it deserves, this guide will be presented as seven steps over two parts.

In this first part, we will lay the essential groundwork for your exploration. We will dive into the process of exploring your deepest intentions, look at the diverse landscape of common psychedelic substances, and explore the paramount importance of prioritising your well-being through thorough self-screening. We will also begin to unpack the spectrum of potential risks and challenges involved.

After that, stay tuned for Part 2 on the blog, where we will move into the practicalities of sourcing and dosage, the art of crafting your set and setting, the role of support systems, and the important phase of integration.

Without further ado, let us dive in.

So, you are considering taking your first steps into the realm of psychedelics? This is a significant undertaking, and before exploring specific substances or experiences, it is valuable to engage with a fundamental aspect: your intentions.

Consider your "why" as the guiding principle for this journey. It represents the underlying reasons for your curiosity and your potential exploration. Having clearly defined intentions is not just a philosophical exercise; it can serve as a crucial anchor when the experience unfolds, particularly if challenges arise along the way.

Maybe you are seeking avenues for personal growth, aiming to understand and potentially shift ingrained thought patterns. Maybe you are drawn to a more spiritual dimension, a desire to explore perspectives beyond conventional reality. Maybe the motivation stems from a wish to enhance creativity or to process and integrate past emotional experiences. Whatever your reasons, it is important to take a good look at them.

Try to avoid approaching this solely with the desire for novel sensations. While perceptual changes may be part of the experience, a more focused intention can significantly increase the potential for meaningful insights.

Consider this analogy: When embarking on a journey, a clear destination often provides direction and purpose. Similarly, with psychedelics, your intentions can guide your experience and increase the likelihood of a valuable outcome.

To articulate your intentions effectively, take some time for quiet reflection, perhaps with a journal, and ask yourself some direct questions:

• What is the core desire or question driving this exploration?
• What understanding about yourself or the world are you genuinely hoping to gain?
• If this experience unfolds positively, what specific shift or insight would you value most?
• What are your expectations for the experience? Are they grounded in reality, or are they influenced by idealised portrayals? It is important to approach this with a degree of realism.

Try to dig a little in the process of your reflection. Instead of a general desire for "personal growth," perhaps it is "to understand the roots of persistent anxiety in social situations." Instead of "spiritual exploration," it might be "to cultivate a stronger sense of interconnectedness with nature."

A helpful practice is to document your intentions in writing. The act of externalisation can solidify them and provide a reference point before, during (if needed), and after your experience.

Your "why" may evolve over time, and that is a natural process. However, dedicating thoughtful attention to its articulation at the outset is a valuable and responsible first step in your psychedelic exploration.

Now you have your "why" simmering nicely, it is time to get a little acquainted with the tools of the trade; the substances themselves. Whilst you do not need to become a pharmacology expert overnight, gaining a basic understanding can help you figure out which substance might resonate with your hopes and intentions.

Here, I will provide a basic understanding of some of the more common substances you might encounter. Each has its own distinct characteristics and potential. Considering how these might align with your intentions will be a valuable part of your initial exploration. 

Psilocybin (aka Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms): These fascinating fungi have a long history of use in indigenous cultures for spiritual and healing rituals.

• The Experience: Often described as earthy, introspective, and emotionally revealing. Can bring on waves of euphoria, but also moments of profound sadness or insight. Visuals can range from enhanced colors and patterns to more immersive experiences. Time perception can become altered. 
• Duration & Onset: Expect the experience to last around 4-6 hours, with effects typically starting within 20-60 minutes after ingestion (whether eaten directly or consumed as a tea).
• Cultural Context: Significant history in Mesoamerican cultures, with ongoing traditional use in some indigenous communities. Increasingly being explored in therapeutic and personal growth settings. Research shows potential in addressing anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Acid): A synthetic psychedelic discovered in the 1930s, with a notable history in the counterculture movement.

• The Experience: Known for its potent visual and auditory alterations, and its capacity to shift one's perception of reality significantly. Can be intellectually stimulating, emotionally intense, and sometimes unpredictable. 
• Duration & Onset: This is a longer-lasting experience, typically ranging from 8-12 hours or more. Effects usually begin within 30-90 minutes.
• Cultural Context: While synthetic, it has had a considerable impact on Western culture, art, and explorations of consciousness. Early research explored its potential in treating addiction and psychological disorders.

Ayahuasca: A powerful brew traditionally used by indigenous communities in the Amazon basin, typically combining a MAOI-containing vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) with a DMT-containing plant (like Psychotria viridis).

• The Experience: Often described as deeply spiritual and purgative, both physically and emotionally. Can induce intense visions, powerful emotional releases, and a strong sense of connection to the Earth and the spiritual realm. Usually experienced within a ceremonial context, often with a focus on healing and spiritual insight.
• Duration & Onset: The experience generally lasts 4-8 hours, with effects beginning within 30-60 minutes after consumption.
• Cultural Context: A sacred medicine for many indigenous Amazonian cultures, utilized for healing, divination, and spiritual connection for centuries.

Mescaline: A naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain cacti such as Peyote and San Pedro, with a long history of ceremonial use in indigenous cultures of the Americas.

• The Experience: Often described as more gentle and heart-opening compared to LSD, with vibrant visual effects and a strong sense of connection to nature. Can be euphoric and emotionally profound. 
• Duration & Onset: The experience can last around 8-12 hours, with effects typically taking 1-3 hours to manifest.
• Cultural Context: A sacred medicine for indigenous peoples of North and South America, used in ceremonies for millennia. Traditionally used for spiritual communion and healing within indigenous ceremonies.

MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Ecstasy, Molly): While sometimes categorized as an empathogen or entactogen rather than a classic psychedelic, MDMA can produce mild alterations in perception and is often encountered in discussions of consciousness exploration.

• The Experience: Primarily known for inducing feelings of euphoria, empathy, and connection with others. Can also increase energy and sensory sensitivity. While not typically characterized by strong visual hallucinations, it can alter perception of time and enhance tactile experiences.
• Duration & Onset: Effects usually last 3-6 hours, with onset within 20-60 minutes.
• Cultural Context: Initially explored in therapeutic settings, it became associated with rave culture and is now being re-examined for its therapeutic potential. Current research shows significant promise in treating PTSD when combined with therapy.

Ketamine: Primarily an anesthetic, Ketamine at sub-anesthetic doses can induce dissociative and sometimes psychedelic-like effects.

• The Experience: Often described as producing a sense of detachment from one's body and environment (dissociation). Can lead to alterations in perception, including visual and auditory distortions, and sometimes profound or unusual subjective experiences (sometimes referred to as "K-holes" at higher doses). 
• Duration & Onset: Effects are relatively short-lived, typically lasting around 1-2 hours, with a rapid onset, especially when snorted or injected.
• Cultural Context: Developed for medical and veterinary anesthesia, its recreational use emerged later, particularly in party and club settings. Research shows rapid antidepressant effects in some individuals with treatment-resistant depression.

You might also encounter mentions of DMT (the active component in Ayahuasca, also used in short, intense smoked experiences) or synthetic compounds like 2C-B. These have their own unique effects and risks. If you encounter something outside these main substances, do your research. You can find a wealth of information at PsychonautWiki. Understand their potential effects, dosage, and safety considerations before considering anything further.

Before you think about sourcing anything or setting a date, there is an important step: taking a good look at your current state of physical and mental well-being, including any medications you might be taking. This is not about looking for problems for the sake of it, it is about being a responsible human and prioritizing your mental and physical safety. This is like your pre-flight checklist before any potentially significant journey.

When considering medication interactions, it is critical to understand the potential risks. Certain medications, particularly psychiatric medications, can have dangerous interactions with psychedelics. Important ones to look out for are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), and especially MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors). Combining these with psychedelics can lead to serious conditions like serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. So if you are currently taking any prescription medications, consult with a doctor, psychiatrist, or pharmacist who is knowledgeable about potential interactions before considering psychedelic use. Similarly, any decisions about starting, stopping, or changing your medication should always be made in collaboration with your healthcare provider.

For individuals with certain psychological conditions, proceed with caution. If you have a personal or family history of serious mental health conditions, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety and depression that is currently unstable, psychedelics may not be suitable for you and could potentially trigger or exacerbate these conditions.

It is also important to consider your physical health. Certain conditions might be contraindications for psychedelic use. These can include significant heart conditions, epilepsy or a history of seizures, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and certain neurological disorders. Be mindful of any underlying physical health concerns and, again, when in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional.

Taking an honest look at your current mental and emotional state is also key. Beyond diagnosed conditions, take an honest inventory. Are you going through a period of significant stress, grief, instability, or unresolved trauma? While some believe psychedelics can aid in processing these, doing so without proper preparation and support can be risky. It is generally advised to approach these experiences from a relatively stable and grounded place.

Here are some red flags to consider. If any of these resonate, pause and seek professional advice:

• Personal or strong family history of psychosis or schizophrenia.
• Currently experiencing a significant mental health crisis.
• Taking MAOI medications.
• Unstable bipolar disorder.
• Severe, uncontrolled anxiety or depression.
• Significant, uncontrolled physical health conditions (especially heart or neurological).
• Feeling pressured by others to use psychedelics.
• Using psychedelics as an escape from significant, unaddressed problems.

This self-screening process is not about gatekeeping. It is about harm reduction and responsible exploration. By taking the time for honest self-reflection and seeking professional guidance when needed, you are laying a foundation for a safer experience.

Although psychedelics offer the potential for profound insights and positive shifts, it is not always smooth sailing. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges involved. Think of it as reading the safety instructions before you operate some powerful equipment. It is not to scare you off, but rather to help you navigate things responsibly.

One of the key aspects to understand is the nature of "challenging experiences," sometimes referred to as "bad trips." These experiences can involve feelings of anxiety, fear, confusion, paranoia, or overwhelming emotions. Common themes might include feeling trapped, confronting difficult aspects of yourself, or feeling disconnected from reality.

It is important to understand that a challenging experience doesn't necessarily mean it is a "bad" one in the long run. Often, these difficult moments can be opportunities for significant growth and processing. Preparing for them involves acknowledging the possibility, having strategies in place (like focusing on your breath, changing your environment if possible, and reminding yourself it will pass), and ideally having a supportive sitter present. Remember that resistance can often amplify discomfort, and leaning into the feelings that arise, with the understanding that they are temporary, can sometimes be the most effective approach.

Beyond the immediate experience, it is also important to be aware of potential psychological after-effects. While many report positive afterglows, some individuals might experience transient anxiety or depression following a psychedelic experience. Feelings of derealization (a sense of unreality) or depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself) can also occur. These are usually temporary, but illustrate the importance of having post-experience support. That might be talking to a trusted friend, a therapist, or engaging in grounding practices. This part of integration is key to processing the experience in a healthy way.

Furthermore, the legal risks associated with psychedelics should be taken into consideration. The legal status of these substances varies across the globe and even within countries. What might be decriminalized in one area could lead to serious criminal charges in another. Be aware of the laws in your specific location. Consequences can be severe and impact your freedom and future. Do your due diligence and understand the legal landscape where you are.

Finally, the safety risks associated with unregulated markets and unknown substances should not be ignored. In many places, the sourcing of psychedelics is unregulated, which means you have no guarantee of the purity, dosage, or even the substance you're getting. Adulterated substances can be incredibly dangerous and lead to serious health complications or even death.

If you choose to proceed in an unregulated environment, prioritising safety is paramount. If possible, consider using reagent test kits to get a basic indication of what you might have. Source from trusted individuals with a reputation for quality and honesty when possible, and be wary of sellers found advertising on social media. A safe environment, free from hazards and with people you trust, is also key.

That wraps it up for the first part of our First Steps to Psychedelics guide. We have explored the first step of setting your intentions, touched on the diverse landscape of common psychedelic substances to gain a basic familiarity with their effects and contexts, and looked at the importance of looking after yourself through honest self-assessment and understanding the potential risks. This foundation is essential for anyone considering taking their first steps into the world of psychedelics responsibly.

In Part 2, we will get into the more practical side of things. We will talk about navigating the tricky world of sourcing and dosage, how to set yourself up for a good experience with set and setting, the value of having a trip sitter or looking into retreats, and the all-important process of integration. So visit again soon, where we'll dive into the real how-to in Part 2.

See you soon!

John is one of our community bloggers here at Chemical Collective. If you’re interested in joining our blogging team and getting paid to write about subjects you’re passionate about, please reach out to Sam via email at [email protected]