Hallucinogens: Harm Minimisation Strategies

General Harm Minimisation Guidelines

Understand your Substance

• Research the effects: each hallucinogen has different effects and risks. Familiarize yourself with the duration and intensity of effects to prepare adequately.
• Test your substance: use reagent testing kits to confirm the purity and identity of your substance. This is crucial to avoid ingesting unknown or harmful adulterants.

Set and Setting

• Know your body and mind (set): be in a stable mental state before using hallucinogens. These substances amplify your current mood and thoughts, making a positive mindset essential.
• Know your environment (setting): use in a secure, comfortable environment. A supportive setting reduces the risk of negative experiences.

Mixing and Masking Effects

• Avoid Mixing Substances: combining hallucinogens with other drugs can lead to unpredictable and often dangerous effects. Especially avoid mixing with alcohol, stimulants, or depressants.

Routes of Administration: From Safer to Riskier

Oral Ingestion

• Why safer: oral ingestion has a slower onset, providing a more gradual experience which can be easier to manage.
• Examples: eating psilocybin mushrooms, swallowing LSD tabs, drinking ayahuasca.

Intranasal (Snorting)

• Why riskier: faster onset and increased intensity. Can damage nasal passages and lead to quicker, often overwhelming effects.
• Examples: snorting ketamine or DMT.

Smoking or Vaporization

• Moderate risk: rapid onset but avoids some risks of ingestion. Still, can affect lung health.
• Examples: smoking DMT, vaporizing LSD if applicable.

Injection

• Highest risk: direct entry into the bloodstream results in immediate and potent effects, significantly increasing overdose risk.
• Avoid for hallucinogens: generally not recommended due to high risk of complications.

Recognising and Responding to Overdose

Recognising Overdose

• Severe confusion or agitation.
• Persistent, distressing hallucinations.
• Dramatic changes in vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate).
• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness.

Responding to Overdose

• Call emergency services (000): immediate medical help is crucial.
• Stay calm and stay with the person: provide reassurance. Keep them safe and prevent them from hurting themselves.
• Reassure and comfort: speak calmly, reminding them that the effects are temporary and help is on the way.
• Place in recovery position: if they are unconscious but breathing, turn them on their side to ensure an open airway.

High-Risk Drug Combinations

• Hallucinogens and alcohol: increases confusion, nausea, and risk of injury. Can mask levels of intoxication leading to risky behaviors.
• Hallucinogens and stimulants (like MDMA or cocaine): can lead to severe anxiety, panic attacks, and increase the strain on the heart.
• Hallucinogens and depressants (like benzodiazepines or opioids): can lead to unpredictable sedation levels and increase overdose risk.

Specific Recommendations

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

• Dosing: start with a low dose, especially if unfamiliar. A standard dose can vary, so begin with a test dose like one-quarter or one-half of a tab (approximately 25-50 micrograms).
• Aftercare: have a day to recover, as effects can last up to 12 hours with potential after-effects.

Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)

• Preparation: begin with a low dose (1-2 grams of dried mushrooms) and adjust based on your experience. Consider the lemon tek or tea method for a smoother onset.
• Integration: allow time after your experience to integrate insights and emotions that surfaced.

DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)

• Environment: use in a calm, quiet space. The intense experience (lasting 5-30 minutes) requires a setting where you can lie down and not be disturbed.
• Support: having a sober sitter is crucial due to the powerful and immersive nature of the experience.

Ketamine

• Hydration: drink water before and after use to avoid dehydration and protect bladder health.
• Dosage control: use small amounts and avoid frequent re-dosing to prevent building tolerance and protect bladder health.

By following these harm minimisation strategies, users of hallucinogens can significantly enhance their safety and reduce the risk of negative experiences. Always prioritize a positive set and setting, avoid dangerous combinations, and prepare for the experience with research and precaution.

For further information and support, consider resources like Erowid, MAPS, or local harm reduction services.