First Steps to Psychedelics: Part 2

Welcome back to First Steps to Psychedelics, our guide for first-time explorers.

In Part 1 of this guide, we laid the foundational groundwork for your initial exploration into psychedelics. We covered setting intentions, the diverse landscape of common psychedelic substances, the importance of self-screening, and potential risks and challenges to be aware of.

Now, in Part 2, we move from foundational understanding to practical application. 

In this part, we will look at sourcing and dosage with caution and explore the art of crafting your first experience, focusing on the critical roles of "set" (mindset) and "setting" (environment), and the potential support of a trip sitter or guided retreat. Finally, we will look beyond the experience itself to the phase of integration and responsible ongoing exploration. 

Let us dive in.

So you have done your homework on intentions and the psychedelic landscape, and taken a good look under the hood of your own well-being. Now comes what can be a tricky bit: actually getting your hands on something and figuring out how much to take. This is an area where caution is essential.

It is crucial to understand the significant risks associated with unregulated sourcing. In many parts of the world, the market for psychedelics is like the Wild West. There is a serious lack of quality control, and there are virtually no guarantees of what you are actually buying. You could end up with something impure, mislabeled, dosed way higher (or lower) than you expect, or even a completely different substance altogether. The risks here range from a disappointing or overwhelming experience to genuine physical danger, which could lead to harmful or even fatal experiences.

While not always accessible, it can be worth exploring safer alternatives. You can search for legitimate legal research studies that sometimes involve the use of psychedelics in controlled environments. These are highly regulated and prioritize safety.

Another avenue, if accessible and financially feasible, is reputable psychedelic retreats. These often operate within legal frameworks (or in areas where specific substances are decriminalized or used traditionally) and provide a structured, supported environment with experienced facilitators. A good and comprehensive retreat will take you through all the steps as presented in this guide. However, it is important to thoroughly vet any retreat. Look for experienced facilitators, clear safety protocols, integration support, and genuine testimonials. 

When it comes to dosage, especially in the absence of experienced facilitators, the guiding principle should be to start low and go slow. Think of it like testing the waters of a very potent brew. You can always take more later or next time, but you can not uningest what you have already ingested.

To give you a brief overview, here are some very general guidelines for initial doses of common substances. Remember that individual sensitivity can vary hugely based on body weight, metabolism, individual brain chemistry, and even your current state of mind:

• Psilocybin (Dried Mushrooms): Microdose: 0.1-0.5 grams. Low: 0.5-1.5 grams. Medium: 1.5-3 grams. High: 3+ grams (generally not recommended for beginners).
• LSD (Dosage in micrograms - µg): Microdose: 5-20 µg. Low: 20-50 µg. Common starting dose: 50-100 µg. Higher doses can be significantly more intense.
• Ayahuasca: Dosage varies greatly depending on the brew and the shaman. Typically starts with a small cup. This is usually experienced in a guided ceremonial context.
• Mescaline (Dried Peyote or San Pedro): Dosage varies significantly depending on the cactus and preparation. Beginners should aim for the very low end of the spectrum if exploring this outside of traditional ceremonies.
• MDMA: Threshold/Microdose: 10-30 mg (some explore very low doses). Low/Social: 50-80 mg. Common starting dose: 80-120 mg. Higher doses significantly increase risks and the potential for negative side effects. Re-dosing should be approached with extreme caution and at lower amounts than the initial dose.
• Ketamine: Sub-Perceptual/Microdose (oral): ~10-30 mg. Low (nasal): 15-30 mg. Common (nasal): 30-75 mg. Higher doses can lead to strong dissociation ("K-hole") and are generally not recommended for beginners exploring psychedelics. Dosage and effects vary greatly depending on the route of administration (oral, nasal, intramuscular, intravenous).

It is also vital to stress the importance of accurate measurement. Eyeballing doses (judging by looking at them) is not an accurate method. Invest in a milligram scale (for powders, crystals, mushrooms, etc.) or understand the concentration of liquid substances. Accurate measurement is crucial for harm reduction and having a more predictable experience.

Now, let us focus on the immediate context of your first experience. The concepts of "set" and "setting" are foundational in psychedelic exploration, and paying careful attention to them can significantly influence the experience. This includes the role of support, whether from a sitter or a more structured environment.

The inner landscape, often referred to as your "set," is essentially your internal environment. This includes your mindset, expectations, emotional state, intentions, and even any fears you might have leading up to the experience. It can be thought of as the lens through which you will perceive everything. Try to let go of rigid expectations about what should happen, and approach the experience with curiosity, openness, and acceptance. It is also helpful to acknowledge any anxieties or fears and to cultivate a calm and centered state in the days leading up to your exploration. This can be aided by practices like meditation or spending time in nature.

The outer world, or your "setting," is your external environment. This encompasses the physical space you choose, the people you are with (if any), and any external factors that might influence your experience, like the soundtrack. Opt for a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed, free from potential hazards and equipped with anything you might need. If you are not alone, ensure you are with people you trust and feel safe with. It is also wise to minimize potential interruptions and consider the time of day that feels most conducive to your exploration.

When it comes to support, the role of a "sitter" can be incredibly beneficial for a first psychedelic experience, especially at doses beyond a microdose. A sitter is a trusted, sober individual present to ensure your physical and emotional safety. Look for someone who is calm, grounded, non-judgmental, and ideally has some understanding of psychedelic experiences. Their primary role is to offer reassurance and practical support, not to guide your experience. It is important to discuss your needs and boundaries with your sitter beforehand.

If you are looking for a more structured environment, guided retreats are a good option. These often include experienced facilitators, preparation sessions, the psychedelic experience itself (sometimes in a ceremonial context), and integration support. While retreats can provide a high level of safety and guidance, it is important to thoroughly research and vet them to ensure they align with your values and run a safe operation.

Finally, microdosing can be considered a gentle first step into the world of psychedelics. This involves taking sub-perceptual doses and can offer subtle benefits like increased focus and mood enhancement without significant perceptual changes. It allows you to gauge your sensitivity to a substance in a low-stakes way and can be done in a familiar environment. That said, it does not provide the full depth of a larger psychedelic experience.

So, you have had your first psychedelic experience. What comes next is just as important as the preparation and the experience itself: integration. This is the process of making sense of what you experienced, processing any insights, and finding ways to integrate them into your daily life. It can be thought of as translating the sometimes-bizarre language of the psychedelic realm into something you can understand and apply to your everyday existence.

Integration can take many forms. Journaling can be a highly valuable tool for recording your thoughts, feelings, and any insights you glean. Talking to a trusted friend, sitter, or therapist can also help you process your experience. Creative outlets like art and music can provide non-verbal ways to express and explore what came up. Spending time in nature can help ground you and connect you to a broader perspective. And movement practices like yoga or dance can help embody and release emotions. Find what resonates with you and dedicate time to this crucial phase.

Throughout your psychedelic exploration and beyond any single experience, it is important to continue to follow harm reduction principles. If you choose to explore psychedelics again, continue to test substances (where possible) to avoid adulterants and ensure you are in safe and comfortable environments with people you trust. And crucially, know your limits. Understand that more is not always better, and respect the power of these substances.

As you move forward, consider the potential for ongoing learning and responsible exploration. This might involve further research, engaging with trusted communities, or continuing to reflect on your experiences. Remember that the psychedelic path is a process, not a race. The journey of self-discovery can be a lifelong one, so be patient with yourself and allow time for understanding and growth to unfold. Approach psychedelics with respect for their potential, for the traditions they come from, and for your own well-being.

That brings us to a close. In this guide, we have laid the essential groundwork and then looked at the practicalities of taking your first steps into the world of psychedelics. Across two parts, we have walked through understanding your motivations, navigating the landscape of substances, prioritizing your well-being through self-screening, and acknowledging potential risks. We have also covered cautious sourcing and dosage, crafting a supportive set and setting, and the process of integration for responsible exploration.

Remember, informed and mindful exploration is key. Be patient, be respectful, and prioritize your well-being. The path can be profound. Explore wisely.

If you would like to explore your first psychedelic experience with support and personal guidance, you can book a call or contact John at Maps of the Mind.

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]