Psychedelics, such as LSD, peyote, and psilocybin mushrooms, alter cognition and perception. Common effects include visual and auditory hallucinations, sensory changes, and feelings of happiness, euphoria, and relaxation. [1] X Research source Deliriants, such as atropine, induce a state of delirium, characterized by vivid hallucinations, confusion, and stupor (a state of non-responsiveness). [2] X Research source Dissociatives, such as ketamine, PCP, and DXM, cause the user to go into a state of dissociation (meaning one becomes detached from reality). Distortions in sight and sound are also present. [3] X Research source Unwanted adverse effects common in all drug classes include nausea, anxiety, paranoia, fatigue, and irregularities in heart rate.
Level 1: user feels relaxed and subtle visual enhancements can be observed, as well as music having a richer sound. Light doses of magic mushrooms and common doses of cannabis can bring on this level. Level 2: colours and visuals appear brighter and closed-eye hallucinations may appear as geometric 2-D patterns. Thought processes may be abstract and the user’s train of thought may not be easily followed. This level is caused by strong doses of cannabis, light doses of LSD, and light to common doses of mushrooms. Level 3: open-eyed visuals become very obvious, with patterns and warped textures. Closing one’s eyes brings on extremely vivid multidimensional geometric patterns. Time begins to become noticeably distorted and movement can be difficult. Brought on by common doses of LSD, mushrooms, and very high doses of cannabis. Level 4: Strong hallucinations as objects may morph into one another. Personification of objects may be observed, such as things speaking to the user. Ego death may occur, resulting in a loss of sense of identity. Time is no longer apparent. Strong synesthesia. Achieved with strong doses of LSD, mushrooms, and mescaline. Level 5: high-intensity experience; total disconnection with reality to the extent that attempting to explain the effects would be near impossible. Senses no longer function normally. The ego is completely gone. Extreme euphoria and enlightenment may occur and the user may feel a sense of complete oneness. Consuming salvia or extremely high doses of mushrooms or LSD brings on this level.
Because some physiologic effects may still occur even after the high is gone, consider a date when the user doesn’t have any plans or deadlines the next day. You wouldn’t want the user to get high on Sunday, only to skip the very important meeting on Monday due to fatigue.
“Set” refers to the mindset of the user, such as thoughts, moods, and expectations of the experience. Because these substances alter how the user thinks and views the world, it’s important for the user to have a relaxed state of mind prior to consumption. Address any concerns the user may have to prevent the possibility of a bad trip. “Setting” is the physical and social environment surrounding the user. Negative experiences and feelings are less likely to occur if the user is located in an open, familiar, and relaxing environment, such as a bedroom. Do whatever it takes to make the room as comfortable as possible: adjust the lighting, change the temperature, or put on some music.
Calm the user by reminding them that this experience was brought on by a mind-altering substance and it’ll fade away in a matter of hours (or minutes). Because a person’s thoughts can influence the nature of the experience, reassure the user that everything will be okay. Try to change their mood by telling them that they took this substance to have a good time and nothing bad will physically happen to them. Move the user to another relaxing location. If the weather is nice and sunny, go for a walk. A change of scenery should provide more reassurance. Know what situations you can and can’t handle and consider calling for professional medical assistance if you need to. Hospitals provide a safe environment and doctors are able to administer sedatives to help the user calm down and become less agitated.
When practicing psychedelic therapy, integrate the experience into your notes and make connections as to how the experience changed the user’s thoughts and cognition.
