ARE PSYCHEDELICS SAFE TO USE?

Psychedelics can be a helpful tool when you are looking for insights or a new perspective. But they are not for everyone – and not at every moment. If you’re considering taking psychedelic truffles, there are a few things to remember to ensure a safe psychedelic trip. In this article, we’ll have a look at some of the safety concerns and risks related to psychedelics.

Is psilocybin safe?

In general, psilocybin is considered safe, but there are circumstances that can lead to hazardous situations. This is why it is essential to conduct thorough research, be aware of appropriate dosages, consider potential contraindications, and to have a trusted support system in place.

Physical and mental health

Naturally, your physical and mental health are of paramount importance. If you are receiving treatment or taking medication, please consult your doctor before making any decision. To make an educated and responsible choice, we strongly recommend following the guidelines listed below.

Responsible use of psychedelics

Psychedelics should always be approached with caution and respect. Each person can respond differently depending on previous experiences, setting, dose, and the state of their physical and mental health. There are serious contra-indications, in which case one should refrain from making a psychedelic journey. Psychedelics should be used only in a safe environment with people you know and trust. Dose consciously. Do not consume in combination with alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Psychological contra-indicators and psychedelics

If you are currently experiencing stress in your personal or professional life or when you are feeling emotionally unstable, we advise you to await calmer times. There is never any need to rush anything. A better moment will come for you. Trust your intuition. Consciously entering another state of consciousness is one of the most interesting and valuable experiences one can attain. This is why we recommend approaching the experience with an open and curious mindset. You’ll be able to explore your inner realm much more freely.

Medication and psychedelics

If you are taking antidepressants or if you have a mental condition such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, there are serious risks to take into account. This also applies when you have a close relative with one of these conditions or if you have a family history of mental health issues. Do not use psychedelics when you are currently under treatment with SSRI and/or MAOI category medication. Please seek professional medical advice if you identify with any of the mental health symptoms or conditions mentioned above.

Physiological contra-indicators and psychedelics

Clear contra-indicators are heart issues when you have a history of epilepsy or seizures, and fainting tendencies. Do not use psychedelics when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Psilocybin

According to recent Dutch research, psilocybin is non-toxic and not addictive. So far, not a single case of overdose has been reported. Psilocybin has anti-inflammatory effects and supposedly stimulates neurogenesis. In terms of safety and health impact, it ranks number one compared to other substances.

Educate yourself on psychedelics

Please consult various other sources to crosscheck the information you view as decisive and relevant to your personal situation. Use the topics discussed here as keywords to conduct your own research. If you really want to dive into the subject and learn everything you need to know about psilocybin, we advise you to follow the Masterclass in our Spinoza app. It’s full of informative videos and practices to help you prepare as well as possible.

Prepare your mind and body

Create calm and clarity, space and time. It is essential to start your process with the right mindset and in a carefully created setting. Your preparation begins by taking yourself seriously. Cultivating a habit of knowing your own body and mind is absolutely essential and will prove highly valuable in your daily life. In this article, we’ll touch upon some of the things you can do to prepare your body and your mind. These include creating time and space for yourself, some dietary recommendations and general tips to help you connect with your body.

Take time for integration

Integrating your psychedelic experience is important. Psychedelics are not a quick fix. Allow yourself to digest the experience and give yourself time to let things sink in and find clarity before making radical decisions. Your fresh insights may need some time to rest before ripening into clear ideas. Many things can come up, but it’s important to keep your feet on the ground.

You are not alone

When planning a psychedelic journey, no matter what dosing you have in mind, you may prefer to have someone with you. We call this a sitter or a facilitator.  A trip sitter is a person who serves as a steady and supportive presence while you experience your journey. Someone who ensures your safety and helps out with whatever you may need. There are a few things to remember when choosing a sitter that suits you. We’ve defined a few guidelines on finding the right sitter in this article.