Psychedelic Resources and Information
***Disclaimer***
Information provided is not in efforts to condone the use of illegal substances. All information provided on this page or in sessions is for educational purposes only, and is not medical advice by myself or publishers of these resources. As our regulatory systems drag on legalization processes (for about 50 years now), people are taking healing with these substances into their own hands rather than waiting. These resources are here to help minimize potential harm and maximize safety for fellow travelers. My knowledge and passion around this topic is meant to provide a safe support within the therapeutic setting, where personal use conducted upon one's own time and volition (outside of session) can be approached from an open-minded, harm-reduction perspective in efforts to assist with integration of such experiences into a deeper state of wholeness and wellness. The only legal ways to participate in psychedelic therapy at this time is to engage in a research study, to go to a ceremony at a legally established church that uses a psychedelic sacrament, or to travel to a country where the substance you wish to use is legal.
Harm-Reduction
Understanding the risks: More light, more shade. Just as psychedelics have the potential to aid healing and enlightenment, they also have the potential to cause serious harm, especially to mental health, when taken irresponsibility or in combination with medications or medical conditions that have contraindications. The wrong mix can lead to serotonin syndrome/ death, so do your research and consult with a doctor who is knowledgeable on the implications. There are many safer ways to achieve healing and enlightenment including but not limited to meditation and various therapeutic modalities. It is my official and professional advice to explore these safer, legal modalities first and instead of higher risk and illegal psychedelics. Though if your mind has been made up... here are plenty of resources for more harm-reduction:
The importance of safe set and setting: Harmful psychedelic experiences can almost always be attributed to a lack of a safe and supportive set or setting or both. This is why psychedelic therapy has put such an emphasis on these two components.
Integration to make the most out of the experience: The post-journey high wears off. That is the truth. Lack of support and integration during this time can leave one feeling the need to return to another journey too soon, leaving a compilation of unintegrated experiences in your system. This can lead to some hard lessons and consequences. This highlights the importance of the therapeutic integration work in harm-reduction to help mitigate potential negative outcomes and addiction to these substances or addiction to these experiences (yes, you can get addicted to anything, especially psychedelics).
Discernment: Be safe out there. It is the Wild West currently when it comes to the psychedelic industry and many spiritual communities. Ego's run unchecked and rampant, completely inflated without grounding and shadow work. Never feel like you are asking too much to your providers or that you are not allowed the time or space to feel out their character. The conclave (link below) provides a great outline of red flags to look out for, and questions you should be asking facilitators. These guidelines have been created because unfortunately, many people are harmed by others in these spaces. There can be concerning power dynamics with well-established practitioners, as well as very inexperienced and untrained people putting themselves into the role of practitioner. There is quite a spectrum of care to be accessed, and the options grow by the day. Use your own judgement to make sure everything feels aligned and in your best and highest interest.
Dosage: Better safe than sorry. You can take more, but you cannot take less once already taken. This is your mind at stake, so be wise. Psychonautwiki and other resources can help you determine dosing. Note that no website or information provided is liable for decisions you make regarding dosing, they are merely provided for harm-reduction measures. Know that harm can be caused at ANY level of dosing though. I will not give advice around dose amounts. I will say though, that a lot of the more profound therapeutic work does not happen at high dose. More does not mean better. Here are some resources to help you determine safer dosing for you:
- Resource For Mushroom dosing guidance: https://sporelore.co/dose-calculator
- 5MEO/Bufo info and dosing guidance: https://five-meo.education/basic-information/
- MAPS Study Protocol (includes MDMA dosing): https://maps.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/protocol280507.pdf
- Safety guidelines and supplement guide for MDMA: https://www.usersnews.com.au/home/2019/12/18/supplements-guide
MAPS Treatment Manual: https://maps.org/research-archive/mdma/MDMA-Assisted-Psychotherapy-Treatment-Manual-Version7-19Aug15-FINAL.pdf
FIVE Harm Reduction: https://five-meo.education/risks-and-cautions/
Medical Screening and Consultations (especially if you take medications, have heart condition, high blood pressure, etc.):
https://www.spiritpharmacist.com
Integration:
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/OtMprtBgjZ0ssdjJ
https://entheonation.com/blog/psychedelic-integration-guide-bufo-5-meo-dmt/
Assistance
The Fireside project: https://firesideproject.org/support-line
Other Website links:
Books:
1.) The Psychedelic Experience by Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, and Ralph Metzner
Research
Do your research! Check out the endless amounts of research with astounding results over the past century...
Stanislov Grof discusses a lot of research in his books, and here are a couple links that will lead you to research papers. Google is also your friend.