Best practices for first psychedelic experiences: harm reduction advice from the psychedelic community.

Area of Science:

• Psycho-pharmacology
• Community-based research
• Harm reduction

Background:

• Psychedelic use is rising in the US, increasing the need for safe practices outside clinical settings.
• Limited legal access and education necessitate accessible harm-reduction resources for new users.
• This study gathered community-sourced recommendations for safe, first-time psychedelic experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a harm-reduction resource for individuals using psychedelics for the first time.
• To crowdsource practical recommendations from the psychedelic community for safe experiences.
• To inform the public about risk-minimizing practices for psychedelic use.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to 581 individuals with self-reported psychedelic experience.
• The survey collected recommendations for/against specific psychedelics, combinations, and general advice for first-time users.
• Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses explored the reasoning behind participants' recommendations.

Main Results:

• Psilocybin was the most recommended psychedelic for first-time use, followed by cannabis and MDMA/MDA.
• These substances were favored for moderate intensity, dose-dependency, and shorter duration.
• Ayahuasca, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and Salvia divinorum were generally not recommended due to intensity and safety concerns. Mixing psychedelics with alcohol, stimulants, or opiates was advised against.

Conclusions:

• Community-derived recommendations are vital for informing the public about safe psychedelic practices.
• Engaging the psychedelic community can enhance research quality and public trust.
• Harm-reduction strategies are crucial given the increasing interest in psychedelics and limited formal guidance.