Thinking About Taking Psychedelics?
Published in
3 min readJul 2, 2024
Preparation is critical for a positive psychedelic experience. Diligence in the 60 days before having a psychedelic experience will help you create a safe, supportive, and meaningful framework for that experience, enhancing its potential for positive transformation and healing.
A helpful acronym to help you get ready for a therapeutic psychedelic experience is “PREPARE.”
P — Purpose:
- Clarify your intention for the experience. Define what you hope to achieve, explore, or understand. Clear intentions can guide the experience, helping you focus on specific goals or areas of personal growth. Having a purpose can make the experience more meaningful and beneficial. Part of your preparation should include setting realistic expectations, which will reduce the risk of disappointment or frustration.
R — Research:
- Educate yourself about the specific psychedelic you will be using, including its effects, risks, and duration. There are a lot of psychedelic resources, from books to audio to websites to podcasts, that can help you orient and navigate your psychedelic experience.
E — Environment:
- Ensure your physical setting is safe, comfortable, and conducive to a positive experience with minimal distractions. Ensuring the physical environment is safe helps prevent accidents or injuries. A well-prepared environment enhances comfort, making the experience more pleasant. Removing potential distractions allows for a deeper and more focused experience.
P — Professional Support:
- Work with a trained guide, psychedelic support coach, or therapist who can provide support and help you navigate the experience. At a minimum, make sure you have a skilled trip sitter. Having support from someone experienced can help you navigate challenging moments and provide reassurance.
A — Attitude:
- Approach the experience with an open, non-judgmental, and accepting mindset. The key skills here are psychological flexibility and cognitive defusion. You can assess your psychological flexibility using a tool like the FIT-60. Be prepared for both positive and challenging moments. Preparing your mindset to be open and accepting helps in dealing with unexpected or difficult parts of the experience. Addressing fears and anxieties beforehand can make the experience smoother and more positive. Preparing mentally can help manage challenging thoughts or emotions that might arise.
R — Resources:
- Have necessary supplies, such as water, snacks, a journal, and any comfort items. Make sure to have emergency contact information available. Being prepared for potential emergencies ensures quick and effective responses if needed.
E — Exit Plan:
- Plan for post-experience integration. Arrange time for rest, reflection, and follow-up sessions with a therapist or psychedelic coach to process the experience and integrate insights into daily life. Use a psychedelic integration workbook. Planning for integration helps process and make sense of the experience, leading to lasting positive changes. Preparing for how to incorporate insights and lessons into daily life maximizes the benefits of the experience.
Using the “PREPARE” acronym can help ensure a thorough and thoughtful approach to planning your psychedelic experience, promoting a safe and meaningful journey.
