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There is a lot going on in this article and I won't comment on all of it. I'll just address people who are perhaps curious about psychedelics. May I highly sugg

There is a lot going on in this article and I won't comment on all of it. I'll just address people who are perhaps curious about psychedelics. May I highly suggest that those wishing to experiment with psychedelics do it only in a place where you feel absolutely safe. That is, no risk of police, parents (if that is an issue), or neighbours to bother you. Additionally and I do think this is very important: in nature. Not in Times Square. When done right and with the right people it can be a truly profound experience which I firmly firmly believe all humans should participate in. I've heard just as many people though turned off to them permanently though through bad experiences which I (who am likely biased) chalk up to bad settings. I'd also say properly grown mushrooms may be a better option for most people. Finally, maybe mixing drugs isn't the best thing to do either.

cnp 11y ago
I would like to add that the safest set and setting is your own own home, with a sitter. There's simply no substitute for it if you're just getting started. Call a friend up and ask; trip sitting is fun! Save nature for later, when you're familiar.
- mvanvoorden 11y ago
  The times we did it, some parties excluded, we started inside, and then moved to the outside whenever we felt like. Nature is awesome, especially pine forests.
  - cnp 11y ago
    This is typically my routine. Make sure everything is all good, then embark :)
selestify 11y ago
How do you go about obtaining such things if none of your friends do it either?
- eric001 11y ago
  Ask strangers in suitable environments.
  - selestify 11y ago
    And where would one find such "suitable" environments? It's not like I can just go to a shady bar and ask around.
    - coldtea 11y ago
      And yet that's exactly what people do allegedly. Well, it helps to not ask openly around until you trust the other person somewhat (which even means getting to know them for a while).
    - waterlesscloud 11y ago
      You can, but you'll have no idea what you're actually getting. It may or may not be LSD, and it may or may not be mixed with something else. You ideally want to develop a trusted source, probably through someone you know
    - WiseWeasel 11y ago
      A couple suggestions: http://phish.com/tours/ http://phish.com/tours/ http://www.widespreadpanic.com/tour http://www.widespreadpanic.com/tour Also, pretty much any large multi-day music festival with a campground, especially reggae. Suppliers are way less discreet at these kind of venues. You'd typically either get lucky and get whatever they say it is, or not and get something that has no effect; chances of something dangerous are low.
      - aeykie 11y ago
        A few shady chemicals (NBOMes) have been circulating as LSD and they are dangerous[2], especially when you're expecting LSD but there is a way to be more sure of what you're taking[1]. 1: https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_testing3.shtml https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_testing3.shtml 2: https://erowid.org/chemicals/2ci_nbome/2ci_nbome_death.shtml https://erowid.org/chemicals/2ci_nbome/2ci_nbome_death.shtml
SN76477 11y ago
A bad trip can be really BAD. No one wants a bad trip.
- 401 11y ago
  To add on to this, I know mixing drugs isn't kosher, but if this is a real worry to someone taking it, having xanax on stand-by is a good idea. SWIM came very close to a bad trip many times, on high doses, and having a "break glass incase of emergency" was enough to get through it.
  - s_q_b 11y ago
    I've never done psychedelics, although I was a trip sitter a few times back in college. It was generally nice. We went out to outrageously gorgeous outdoor parks, and I kept people from wandering off cliffs. One time, somebody was having a terrible trip (which I hear is the equivalent of an actual vacation in hell), and he stopped it with his Clonazepam prescription, which is essentially a longer lasting drug in the same class as Xanax.
  - verymerryalt 11y ago
    I'd like to chime in with a personal anecdote relevant to what you've mentioned. The TL;DR is "Having Xanax is incredibly comforting when a trip goes sideways; it worked for me and friends, it worked fast, and it was quite effective." The day before yesterday, a friend and I took 2CB nasally for the third time, for both of us. Quick note: 2CB is roughly similar to LSD. As it turned out, the previous two times we had been losing quite a bit of 2CB during the snorting process because we where basically pressing our faces against the surface then inhaling. This led to some 2CB stuck on our face, some stuck just inside the nose, etc. Because such small amounts of 2CB are so effective, this loss meant we where experiencing an order of magnitude fewer effects. So, it's our third time, but this time we decide to use a straw. Using a straw meant we got the full amount instead of losing the majority. The net effect was we found ourselves in the middle of an experience that was orders of magnitude more than what we where emotionally prepared for. If we'd been aiming for the experience we where having, we'd have been fine; but since it was so unexpected it felt very uncomfortable. After about an hour, my friend was lucid enough to get a Xanax for himself and offer me one as well. The Xanax stopped that trip in it's tracks. 15 minutes after taking, lucidity solidified and I was back to being able to hold conversations. Within 30 minutes, we where down to only very subtle visuals, and within 45 minutes, the trip was effectively over. To reiterate, Xanax worked for me, and I'll be keeping it around as a safety feature in the future.
tim333 11y ago
I'd add I know several people with long term mental impairment from overuse, mostly from long term use of LSD. So while it's interesting to try, be cautious.
- revscat 11y ago
  Then you should get those people in touch with the appropriate researchers. They are anomalies.
  - deleted 11y ago
    [deleted]
  - tim333 11y ago
    Well one of them killed himself after hallucinating people coming through the walls to get him so it would be tricky in that case. Here are some famous acid casualties http://www.wow247.co.uk/2015/07/17/bad-trip-brian-wilson-acid-casualty-sixties/ http://www.wow247.co.uk/2015/07/17/bad-trip-brian-wilson-aci... I don't think there's much in the way of peer reviewed papers because no ones going to deliberately dose one group on LSD for a long term study and most recreational users take other drugs and don't document and publish things but there are definitely issues.
    - gluelogic 11y ago
      Some people might https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_MKUltra https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_MKUltra
    - abrookewood 11y ago
      I don't know why you are getting downvoted. I've personally seen several people suffer various ailments (cutting social ties; entering depression) after experimenting with psychedelics. They can be fun and they may be a useful therapy, but it's foolish to think they are risk-free.
- cnp 11y ago
  Here's an interesting study that seems to counter this claim: http://psychedelicfrontier.com/psychedelics-reductions-suicide/ http://psychedelicfrontier.com/psychedelics-reductions-suici... http://jop.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/01/08/0269881114565653 http://jop.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/01/08/026988111456... Classic psychedelic use is associated with reduced psychological distress and suicidality in the United States adult population "Psychedelic users showed a significantly lower likelihood of recent psychological distress, as well as less suicidal thinking and fewer suicide attempts, than non-users. Users were 36% less likely to have attempted suicide in the past year. Use of other illicit substances, say the researchers, are “by and large associated with an increased likelihood of psychological distress and suicidality.” The use of non-psychedelic substances is a suicide risk factor, they conclude, but psychedelics appear to have the reverse effect."
overcast 11y ago
I came here to express the same sentiment. I'm trying to come up with the best way of saying not to do drugs, but yet everyone should try psychedelics at some point in their lives. Mushrooms are a much better experience, especially for a newcomer. LSD is much more of an intense, laugh at everything high, and to me felt very "chemical". Mushrooms made me feel like a million dollars, and was much more of a relaxed experience. You'll definitely feel like you can solve all the world's problems, and maybe even comes up with next big startup idea! :)
- edem 11y ago
  I definitely agree. After tripping on shrooms I decided to become a programmer. Best decision in my life.
  - batat 11y ago
    Did the same thing without mushrooms. Am I at risk for becoming an enlightened homeless guy who will sleep on the streets for the rest of his life if I'll try mushrooms?
    - sj3k 11y ago
      depends how much you eat
      - edem 11y ago
        And what kind of shrooms you eat. :)
    - mvanvoorden 11y ago
      You might, but then it would be a conscious choice and you would be happy doing it. Don't judge your possible future self from your current selve's perspective.
- deleted 11y ago
  [deleted]
andy_ppp 11y ago
Best advice I was ever given is that if the trip is going badly you should move your body to a different setting. It provides a nice reset should you have placed your mind somewhere that "you" do not feel comfortable with. I can't say I think that people should be recommending psychedelics because the experience is so extreme and so personal, it can be life altering. As with anything this "far out", the outcome could be extraordinarily positive or also extraordinarily damaging. I don't believe it's merely about setting; it's the person doing the trips' responsibility to look after themselves. And don't be tired because you aren't sleeping for the next 14 hours. If you want a new perspective on the world sure, go try LSD but if you want a better perspective I'd recommend Magnesium [1], Vitamin D [2] and some meditation first. [1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D#Health_effects_of_supplementation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D#Health_effects_of_su...
- shiven 11y ago
  Caveat emptor, for [1] the journal does not look legit.
  - andy_ppp 11y ago
    Interesting, but also what about this? https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201106/magnesium-and-the-brain-the-original-chill-pill https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry...
- SirensOfTitan 11y ago
  A methylated B-complex vitamin would be prudent in most individuals as well to complement magnesium. Up to 50% of the population has a partially broken methylation cycle (in a form of C677T mutation). I had back pain sleeping for a long time, fatigue, and tons of muscle twitching (even in supplementing magnesium and vitamin d), and a methylated b-complex effectively eliminated my symptoms. The test to check for an MTHFR mutation is expensive, but supplementing a methylated high-quality b-complex isn't.
BookmarkSaver 11y ago
I agree with just about everything you said, except the "in nature" part. Don't get me wrong, tripping in nature is awesome, maybe the best place to trip. But it isn't necessary and might not even be the best for your first time (depending on what you are doing). They real key is to not have too many stimuli out of your control, particularly having lots and lots of strangers around. Especially if you have to interact with them for whatever reason. Other than that you are fine. As long as you are in full control of what you are doing and you don't feel pressured by strangers then most people will be perfectly comfortable. And while tripping in nature has generally been more enjoyable for me, interacting with really good friends (especially ones also tripping with me, one of the best parts of the trip) and seeing your familiar surroundings with a new mind was the most valuable part to me.
- dilap 11y ago
  Yes, nature can actually be quite scary if you're not used to being in it. I think a pleasant, safe, comfortable urban setting can be just as good.
  - djfm 11y ago
    Nature is usually far from hospitals too, be sure you have a sober person who can drive in case of emergency.
- earlz 11y ago
  About 90% of the stories I've heard of LSD ca be summarized by "I spent 3 hours watching a story unfold on my wall"
  - datashaman 11y ago
    There is no spoon.
  - Fordrus 11y ago
    And, to be fair, as someone who has never done LSD and will likely wait until it is legal and can be prescribed by a physician- that sounds like an AMAZING experience. :)
questama 11y ago
"Brain: Hey! This scary thing I'm now experiencing must be incorporated into my behavior." "You: Yay, I now have a phobia of something!" A profound experience yes. Some substances are more likely to make permanent changes in your head. Be smart and read up - or take your chances and get fucked for life. Even cannabis can cause psychosis.
- BananaPelican 11y ago
  TL;DR - be careful, don't make the decision lightly, take reasonable precautions. I came here to write something along these lines. About a year ago, I ate _way_ too much cannabis before a party then proceeded to have a terrible trip. The subtle meaning in people's interactions, which I had always been able to respond to intuitively, suddenly became apparent and burdensome. I saw a man who did not receive enough affection from his wife and spoke needily to others, reaching out for warmth. I saw a woman who appeared to be dissatisfied in her marriage, lingering just a bit too long in hugs with other men. I saw a man who was uncomfortable with parties, and wanted to corner me in a private discussion so he could disengage from the group. The feeling that these people were unable to mask their deep and private needs in this public forum combined with the feeling that something was expected of me that I could not give sent me into a spiral of embarrassment and nervousness. Becoming terrified that I would be unable to control my emotions (that I might begin weeping in front of everybody for example), I disappeared without a word to hide in my car. Fearing that I would be seen and mistaken for a criminal waiting to commit a crime, I tried to stuff myself into a ball on the floor of the backseat. I was convinced that someone would see me and call the police, and I'd be arrested because I would be unable to communicate with them. The fear was so intense that I could feel myself shivering, and when my wife came to rescue me I was unable to speak in a steady voice. Over the course of the following year, I struggled with depression and crippling social anxiety, which I had never experienced before. Things as routine as taking my cat to the vet were a real challenge, and I relied on Xanax to get me through a number of totally banal interactions which I had previously handled automatically. Granted, I was also experiencing intense social isolation and a weakening support system due to unrelated factors - I cannot definitively pin my struggles on this incident with cannabis. Still, it scared me enough that I began researching and critically examining my cannabis usage. Ultimately I decided that it would still be a part of my life, but that I would no longer use it in public settings, that I would be exceedingly careful with dosage and reduce my usage in general, and that I would examine my current state before using it. I've recovered 100% from the depression, 95% from the anxiety (I still feel mild nerves speaking in group settings, like introducing myself at a meeting), and I have never had a bad cannabis experience since. I have also decided that using other drugs with psychedelic effects is not worth the risk for me, and I have sworn off them altogether.
intopieces 11y ago
I agree with nature, but if that's not an option a nice art museum on an off day. Usually cheap, quiet, cold and people don't mind if you stare at one thing for a long time.
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- nikatwork 11y ago
  This is fine if you are feeling young, edgy and indestructible but I would not recommend it to most newbies. Warm dark room with lots of pillows and a good friend is safest.
  - deleted 11y ago
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  - mirimir 11y ago
    Yes. Also quiet. And no incoming communication. Nothing that must be dealt with. Have that friend be the gatekeeper.
jqm 11y ago
Nature is good but isn't necessary to trip. The first time I took LSD was under less than ideal conditions. It was in high school... and I mean during school hours my junior year. It was 1988. Yes, stupid and irresponsible I know but it was a great experience. I only took 1/3 of a tab... a friend had it and we split the tab between three of us. Coincidentally there was a field trip that day for Jr's and Sr's and I had not turned in my permission slip and so didn't get to go. I suppose that's how I justified taking LSD in school to myself. Everyone else was already gone on a trip so.... The friend who had the LSD was a "bad kid" and was in in school suspension so he went to sit under out of class supervision all day. The other friend got on the bus and went off on the field trip. I went to mostly empty classes. I had guitar class that semester. The class was mostly freshmen and sophomores with shag hair aspiring to be the next Metallicas and Iron Maidens. They were a pretty wild group. I on the other hand was outwardly at least pretty studious and responsible and respectful of authority. The class had a sub teacher that day because the regular teacher was chaperoning the field trip. So there wasn't a real lesson... just a bunch of amateur Bevis and Butthead antics while the sub teacher read a magazine and I sat in the back watching the whole thing with a godlike sense of enlightenment. At one point one of the kids wadded up a paper and threw at the sub hitting her in the head. I didn't see who it was but did see the paper hit her. So she flips out and starts yelling. And I'm trying not to burst out laughing. Not because she got hit by a paper, but because of the utter ridiculousness of the whole situation. Here we all were, on a little ball of mud in infinite time and space and we don't have anything better to do but sit in a room wasting limited time and acting up and throwing papers and get upset when we get hit by a papers. And that's what life in society was... silly monkeys acting out because they didn't understand the deeper implications of existence. And now I knew how trivial it all was and it was entertaining to watch. So the sub gets really mad and calls in the assistant principal. He come in and says "OK, who threw the paper?". No one speaks up. I'm just grinning away in the back at the petty foolishness of the whole thing. He sees me and singles me out. (principal) - "Who threw the paper?" (me) -"I didn't see who threw the paper" (principal) -"Ok... if you don't tell me who threw the paper you will get detention" (me) "If you have come to a place in your existence that it is your destiny to give me detention, than I will take the detention, but I did not see who threw the paper". At this the assistant principal stops and does a double take. He pauses for like 30 seconds completely confused and bewildered (and briefly wondering about his destiny). But he can't back down so he gives me three days detention. So I tell him "I accept that this is who you are and this is what you feel you must do, but it does not in any way affect who I really am". At this he does another double take, gawks for a bit and then leaves the room. Later he comes up to me at lunch and apologies for his anger and rescinds the detention. And he is looking at me like I'm some kind of strange wizard or something. I just smile and say ok, fine and keep eating my lunch. I never looked at the social/organizational aspects of school the same again. I also never took LSD in school again. I'm in my 40's now and even though I did have other experiences later I haven't for nearly two decades and wouldn't take LSD at this point. I'm not against it.. I just wouldn't take it. I don't think I need to. I have gotten out of it what I think I can... some useful, some maybe not so useful and honestly I have zero interest in exploring it any further. Sorry for the long post. I think the original point is that sometimes being in a normal situation under the influence of LSD can give you a whole new perspective that is actually more truthful. It breaks the layer the mind puts on reality and you have no choice but to see a more objective view of the situation. It's certainly not reliable though and a lot of confusion results sometimes in people thinking things that aren't really so. And sometimes you mind needs to put a layer over reality for you to function. Just my opinions.
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Kiro 11y ago
I've had many bad trips, like really bad. What has helped me eliminate the fear and terror is to mix it with alcohol (being slightly drunk during most parts of the trip). It may not work for everyone but it has certainly worked for me. All my recent trips have been wonderful.
- enkephalin 11y ago
  can confirm. have also had many bad trips, and small amounts of alcohol now do wonders to prevent them, and don't interfere with the experience at all.
GordonS 11y ago
Sensible advice. I'd add to this, not to trip alone - if possible, you should have a sober 'trip sitter' with you.
zamalek 11y ago
It might also be prudent to consult a psychiatrist, or at least a GP first, to determine if any contra-indications apply to you (e.g. existing underlying psychosis). A trip can really help a person but, as with any medication, could end up doing harm if it is given to the wrong person.
osi 11y ago
set and setting.
Fordrus 11y ago
I wish I had two lives, so that I could dedicate one of them to the work of the doctor in the article- legitimizing psychedelic therapy by testing it properly and publishing the results. I've never tripped, but reading about tripping makes me wistful- I would go to a clinician and schedule the 2-3 months of therapy sessions before a clinician-guided trip right now, today if I could do so legally. That said- I'm also quite pleased with who I am, like the author here, and I worry about losing that to the drug's effects. Eh, it's all fascinating stuff. :)
forgetsusername 11y ago
>that is, no risk of police, parents (if that is an issue) If "your parents" are an issue, it's likely you're too young to be experimenting with psychedelics.

cnp 11y ago

I would like to add that the safest set and setting is your own own home, with a sitter. There's simply no substitute for it if you're just getting started. Call a friend up and ask; trip sitting is fun! Save nature for later, when you're familiar.

mvanvoorden 11y ago
The times we did it, some parties excluded, we started inside, and then moved to the outside whenever we felt like. Nature is awesome, especially pine forests.
- cnp 11y ago
  This is typically my routine. Make sure everything is all good, then embark :)

selestify 11y ago

How do you go about obtaining such things if none of your friends do it either?

eric001 11y ago
Ask strangers in suitable environments.
- selestify 11y ago
  And where would one find such "suitable" environments? It's not like I can just go to a shady bar and ask around.
  - coldtea 11y ago
    And yet that's exactly what people do allegedly. Well, it helps to not ask openly around until you trust the other person somewhat (which even means getting to know them for a while).
  - waterlesscloud 11y ago
    You can, but you'll have no idea what you're actually getting. It may or may not be LSD, and it may or may not be mixed with something else. You ideally want to develop a trusted source, probably through someone you know
  - WiseWeasel 11y ago
    A couple suggestions: http://phish.com/tours/ http://phish.com/tours/ http://www.widespreadpanic.com/tour http://www.widespreadpanic.com/tour Also, pretty much any large multi-day music festival with a campground, especially reggae. Suppliers are way less discreet at these kind of venues. You'd typically either get lucky and get whatever they say it is, or not and get something that has no effect; chances of something dangerous are low.
    - aeykie 11y ago
      A few shady chemicals (NBOMes) have been circulating as LSD and they are dangerous[2], especially when you're expecting LSD but there is a way to be more sure of what you're taking[1]. 1: https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_testing3.shtml https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_testing3.shtml 2: https://erowid.org/chemicals/2ci_nbome/2ci_nbome_death.shtml https://erowid.org/chemicals/2ci_nbome/2ci_nbome_death.shtml

SN76477 11y ago

A bad trip can be really BAD. No one wants a bad trip.

401 11y ago
To add on to this, I know mixing drugs isn't kosher, but if this is a real worry to someone taking it, having xanax on stand-by is a good idea. SWIM came very close to a bad trip many times, on high doses, and having a "break glass incase of emergency" was enough to get through it.
- s_q_b 11y ago
  I've never done psychedelics, although I was a trip sitter a few times back in college. It was generally nice. We went out to outrageously gorgeous outdoor parks, and I kept people from wandering off cliffs. One time, somebody was having a terrible trip (which I hear is the equivalent of an actual vacation in hell), and he stopped it with his Clonazepam prescription, which is essentially a longer lasting drug in the same class as Xanax.
- verymerryalt 11y ago
  I'd like to chime in with a personal anecdote relevant to what you've mentioned. The TL;DR is "Having Xanax is incredibly comforting when a trip goes sideways; it worked for me and friends, it worked fast, and it was quite effective." The day before yesterday, a friend and I took 2CB nasally for the third time, for both of us. Quick note: 2CB is roughly similar to LSD. As it turned out, the previous two times we had been losing quite a bit of 2CB during the snorting process because we where basically pressing our faces against the surface then inhaling. This led to some 2CB stuck on our face, some stuck just inside the nose, etc. Because such small amounts of 2CB are so effective, this loss meant we where experiencing an order of magnitude fewer effects. So, it's our third time, but this time we decide to use a straw. Using a straw meant we got the full amount instead of losing the majority. The net effect was we found ourselves in the middle of an experience that was orders of magnitude more than what we where emotionally prepared for. If we'd been aiming for the experience we where having, we'd have been fine; but since it was so unexpected it felt very uncomfortable. After about an hour, my friend was lucid enough to get a Xanax for himself and offer me one as well. The Xanax stopped that trip in it's tracks. 15 minutes after taking, lucidity solidified and I was back to being able to hold conversations. Within 30 minutes, we where down to only very subtle visuals, and within 45 minutes, the trip was effectively over. To reiterate, Xanax worked for me, and I'll be keeping it around as a safety feature in the future.

tim333 11y ago

I'd add I know several people with long term mental impairment from overuse, mostly from long term use of LSD. So while it's interesting to try, be cautious.

revscat 11y ago
Then you should get those people in touch with the appropriate researchers. They are anomalies.
- deleted 11y ago
  [deleted]
- tim333 11y ago
  Well one of them killed himself after hallucinating people coming through the walls to get him so it would be tricky in that case. Here are some famous acid casualties http://www.wow247.co.uk/2015/07/17/bad-trip-brian-wilson-acid-casualty-sixties/ http://www.wow247.co.uk/2015/07/17/bad-trip-brian-wilson-aci... I don't think there's much in the way of peer reviewed papers because no ones going to deliberately dose one group on LSD for a long term study and most recreational users take other drugs and don't document and publish things but there are definitely issues.
  - gluelogic 11y ago
    Some people might https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_MKUltra https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_MKUltra
  - abrookewood 11y ago
    I don't know why you are getting downvoted. I've personally seen several people suffer various ailments (cutting social ties; entering depression) after experimenting with psychedelics. They can be fun and they may be a useful therapy, but it's foolish to think they are risk-free.
cnp 11y ago
Here's an interesting study that seems to counter this claim: http://psychedelicfrontier.com/psychedelics-reductions-suicide/ http://psychedelicfrontier.com/psychedelics-reductions-suici... http://jop.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/01/08/0269881114565653 http://jop.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/01/08/026988111456... Classic psychedelic use is associated with reduced psychological distress and suicidality in the United States adult population "Psychedelic users showed a significantly lower likelihood of recent psychological distress, as well as less suicidal thinking and fewer suicide attempts, than non-users. Users were 36% less likely to have attempted suicide in the past year. Use of other illicit substances, say the researchers, are “by and large associated with an increased likelihood of psychological distress and suicidality.” The use of non-psychedelic substances is a suicide risk factor, they conclude, but psychedelics appear to have the reverse effect."

overcast 11y ago

I came here to express the same sentiment. I'm trying to come up with the best way of saying not to do drugs, but yet everyone should try psychedelics at some point in their lives. Mushrooms are a much better experience, especially for a newcomer. LSD is much more of an intense, laugh at everything high, and to me felt very "chemical". Mushrooms made me feel like a million dollars, and was much more of a relaxed experience. You'll definitely feel like you can solve all the world's problems, and maybe even comes up with next big startup idea! :)

edem 11y ago
I definitely agree. After tripping on shrooms I decided to become a programmer. Best decision in my life.
- batat 11y ago
  Did the same thing without mushrooms. Am I at risk for becoming an enlightened homeless guy who will sleep on the streets for the rest of his life if I'll try mushrooms?
  - sj3k 11y ago
    depends how much you eat
    - edem 11y ago
      And what kind of shrooms you eat. :)
  - mvanvoorden 11y ago
    You might, but then it would be a conscious choice and you would be happy doing it. Don't judge your possible future self from your current selve's perspective.
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andy_ppp 11y ago

Best advice I was ever given is that if the trip is going badly you should move your body to a different setting. It provides a nice reset should you have placed your mind somewhere that "you" do not feel comfortable with. I can't say I think that people should be recommending psychedelics because the experience is so extreme and so personal, it can be life altering. As with anything this "far out", the outcome could be extraordinarily positive or also extraordinarily damaging. I don't believe it's merely about setting; it's the person doing the trips' responsibility to look after themselves. And don't be tired because you aren't sleeping for the next 14 hours. If you want a new perspective on the world sure, go try LSD but if you want a better perspective I'd recommend Magnesium [1], Vitamin D [2] and some meditation first. [1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D#Health_effects_of_supplementation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D#Health_effects_of_su...

shiven 11y ago
Caveat emptor, for [1] the journal does not look legit.
- andy_ppp 11y ago
  Interesting, but also what about this? https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201106/magnesium-and-the-brain-the-original-chill-pill https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry...
SirensOfTitan 11y ago
A methylated B-complex vitamin would be prudent in most individuals as well to complement magnesium. Up to 50% of the population has a partially broken methylation cycle (in a form of C677T mutation). I had back pain sleeping for a long time, fatigue, and tons of muscle twitching (even in supplementing magnesium and vitamin d), and a methylated b-complex effectively eliminated my symptoms. The test to check for an MTHFR mutation is expensive, but supplementing a methylated high-quality b-complex isn't.

BookmarkSaver 11y ago

I agree with just about everything you said, except the "in nature" part. Don't get me wrong, tripping in nature is awesome, maybe the best place to trip. But it isn't necessary and might not even be the best for your first time (depending on what you are doing). They real key is to not have too many stimuli out of your control, particularly having lots and lots of strangers around. Especially if you have to interact with them for whatever reason. Other than that you are fine. As long as you are in full control of what you are doing and you don't feel pressured by strangers then most people will be perfectly comfortable. And while tripping in nature has generally been more enjoyable for me, interacting with really good friends (especially ones also tripping with me, one of the best parts of the trip) and seeing your familiar surroundings with a new mind was the most valuable part to me.

dilap 11y ago
Yes, nature can actually be quite scary if you're not used to being in it. I think a pleasant, safe, comfortable urban setting can be just as good.
- djfm 11y ago
  Nature is usually far from hospitals too, be sure you have a sober person who can drive in case of emergency.
earlz 11y ago
About 90% of the stories I've heard of LSD ca be summarized by "I spent 3 hours watching a story unfold on my wall"
- datashaman 11y ago
  There is no spoon.
- Fordrus 11y ago
  And, to be fair, as someone who has never done LSD and will likely wait until it is legal and can be prescribed by a physician- that sounds like an AMAZING experience. :)

questama 11y ago

"Brain: Hey! This scary thing I'm now experiencing must be incorporated into my behavior." "You: Yay, I now have a phobia of something!" A profound experience yes. Some substances are more likely to make permanent changes in your head. Be smart and read up - or take your chances and get fucked for life. Even cannabis can cause psychosis.

BananaPelican 11y ago
TL;DR - be careful, don't make the decision lightly, take reasonable precautions. I came here to write something along these lines. About a year ago, I ate _way_ too much cannabis before a party then proceeded to have a terrible trip. The subtle meaning in people's interactions, which I had always been able to respond to intuitively, suddenly became apparent and burdensome. I saw a man who did not receive enough affection from his wife and spoke needily to others, reaching out for warmth. I saw a woman who appeared to be dissatisfied in her marriage, lingering just a bit too long in hugs with other men. I saw a man who was uncomfortable with parties, and wanted to corner me in a private discussion so he could disengage from the group. The feeling that these people were unable to mask their deep and private needs in this public forum combined with the feeling that something was expected of me that I could not give sent me into a spiral of embarrassment and nervousness. Becoming terrified that I would be unable to control my emotions (that I might begin weeping in front of everybody for example), I disappeared without a word to hide in my car. Fearing that I would be seen and mistaken for a criminal waiting to commit a crime, I tried to stuff myself into a ball on the floor of the backseat. I was convinced that someone would see me and call the police, and I'd be arrested because I would be unable to communicate with them. The fear was so intense that I could feel myself shivering, and when my wife came to rescue me I was unable to speak in a steady voice. Over the course of the following year, I struggled with depression and crippling social anxiety, which I had never experienced before. Things as routine as taking my cat to the vet were a real challenge, and I relied on Xanax to get me through a number of totally banal interactions which I had previously handled automatically. Granted, I was also experiencing intense social isolation and a weakening support system due to unrelated factors - I cannot definitively pin my struggles on this incident with cannabis. Still, it scared me enough that I began researching and critically examining my cannabis usage. Ultimately I decided that it would still be a part of my life, but that I would no longer use it in public settings, that I would be exceedingly careful with dosage and reduce my usage in general, and that I would examine my current state before using it. I've recovered 100% from the depression, 95% from the anxiety (I still feel mild nerves speaking in group settings, like introducing myself at a meeting), and I have never had a bad cannabis experience since. I have also decided that using other drugs with psychedelic effects is not worth the risk for me, and I have sworn off them altogether.

intopieces 11y ago

I agree with nature, but if that's not an option a nice art museum on an off day. Usually cheap, quiet, cold and people don't mind if you stare at one thing for a long time.

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nikatwork 11y ago
This is fine if you are feeling young, edgy and indestructible but I would not recommend it to most newbies. Warm dark room with lots of pillows and a good friend is safest.
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- mirimir 11y ago
  Yes. Also quiet. And no incoming communication. Nothing that must be dealt with. Have that friend be the gatekeeper.

jqm 11y ago

Nature is good but isn't necessary to trip. The first time I took LSD was under less than ideal conditions. It was in high school... and I mean during school hours my junior year. It was 1988. Yes, stupid and irresponsible I know but it was a great experience. I only took 1/3 of a tab... a friend had it and we split the tab between three of us. Coincidentally there was a field trip that day for Jr's and Sr's and I had not turned in my permission slip and so didn't get to go. I suppose that's how I justified taking LSD in school to myself. Everyone else was already gone on a trip so.... The friend who had the LSD was a "bad kid" and was in in school suspension so he went to sit under out of class supervision all day. The other friend got on the bus and went off on the field trip. I went to mostly empty classes. I had guitar class that semester. The class was mostly freshmen and sophomores with shag hair aspiring to be the next Metallicas and Iron Maidens. They were a pretty wild group. I on the other hand was outwardly at least pretty studious and responsible and respectful of authority. The class had a sub teacher that day because the regular teacher was chaperoning the field trip. So there wasn't a real lesson... just a bunch of amateur Bevis and Butthead antics while the sub teacher read a magazine and I sat in the back watching the whole thing with a godlike sense of enlightenment. At one point one of the kids wadded up a paper and threw at the sub hitting her in the head. I didn't see who it was but did see the paper hit her. So she flips out and starts yelling. And I'm trying not to burst out laughing. Not because she got hit by a paper, but because of the utter ridiculousness of the whole situation. Here we all were, on a little ball of mud in infinite time and space and we don't have anything better to do but sit in a room wasting limited time and acting up and throwing papers and get upset when we get hit by a papers. And that's what life in society was... silly monkeys acting out because they didn't understand the deeper implications of existence. And now I knew how trivial it all was and it was entertaining to watch. So the sub gets really mad and calls in the assistant principal. He come in and says "OK, who threw the paper?". No one speaks up. I'm just grinning away in the back at the petty foolishness of the whole thing. He sees me and singles me out. (principal) - "Who threw the paper?" (me) -"I didn't see who threw the paper" (principal) -"Ok... if you don't tell me who threw the paper you will get detention" (me) "If you have come to a place in your existence that it is your destiny to give me detention, than I will take the detention, but I did not see who threw the paper". At this the assistant principal stops and does a double take. He pauses for like 30 seconds completely confused and bewildered (and briefly wondering about his destiny). But he can't back down so he gives me three days detention. So I tell him "I accept that this is who you are and this is what you feel you must do, but it does not in any way affect who I really am". At this he does another double take, gawks for a bit and then leaves the room. Later he comes up to me at lunch and apologies for his anger and rescinds the detention. And he is looking at me like I'm some kind of strange wizard or something. I just smile and say ok, fine and keep eating my lunch. I never looked at the social/organizational aspects of school the same again. I also never took LSD in school again. I'm in my 40's now and even though I did have other experiences later I haven't for nearly two decades and wouldn't take LSD at this point. I'm not against it.. I just wouldn't take it. I don't think I need to. I have gotten out of it what I think I can... some useful, some maybe not so useful and honestly I have zero interest in exploring it any further. Sorry for the long post. I think the original point is that sometimes being in a normal situation under the influence of LSD can give you a whole new perspective that is actually more truthful. It breaks the layer the mind puts on reality and you have no choice but to see a more objective view of the situation. It's certainly not reliable though and a lot of confusion results sometimes in people thinking things that aren't really so. And sometimes you mind needs to put a layer over reality for you to function. Just my opinions.

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Kiro 11y ago

I've had many bad trips, like really bad. What has helped me eliminate the fear and terror is to mix it with alcohol (being slightly drunk during most parts of the trip). It may not work for everyone but it has certainly worked for me. All my recent trips have been wonderful.

enkephalin 11y ago
can confirm. have also had many bad trips, and small amounts of alcohol now do wonders to prevent them, and don't interfere with the experience at all.

GordonS 11y ago

Sensible advice. I'd add to this, not to trip alone - if possible, you should have a sober 'trip sitter' with you.

zamalek 11y ago

It might also be prudent to consult a psychiatrist, or at least a GP first, to determine if any contra-indications apply to you (e.g. existing underlying psychosis). A trip can really help a person but, as with any medication, could end up doing harm if it is given to the wrong person.

osi 11y ago

set and setting.

Fordrus 11y ago

I wish I had two lives, so that I could dedicate one of them to the work of the doctor in the article- legitimizing psychedelic therapy by testing it properly and publishing the results. I've never tripped, but reading about tripping makes me wistful- I would go to a clinician and schedule the 2-3 months of therapy sessions before a clinician-guided trip right now, today if I could do so legally. That said- I'm also quite pleased with who I am, like the author here, and I worry about losing that to the drug's effects. Eh, it's all fascinating stuff. :)

forgetsusername 11y ago

>that is, no risk of police, parents (if that is an issue) If "your parents" are an issue, it's likely you're too young to be experimenting with psychedelics.