Are you tripping comfortably? Investigating the relationship between harm reduction and the psychedelic experience

Original research
by
Palmer, Madelene & Olivia M. Maynard

Release Date

2022

Geography

UK

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We aimed to develop an understanding of frequently used psychedelic harm reduction practices in recreational settings and how their use relates to the psychedelic experience. We also aimed to characterise users’ first and most recent psychedelic trips to understand how harm reduction changes with experience.

Findings/Key points

Participants engaged in a wide range of harm reduction practices and we provide details of those which are most commonly used and those which are deemed most important by experienced users. Our qualitative analysis indicated that participants were largely positive about psychedelics and many recounted profound positive experiences. While specifics of the drug they were taking was important for aspects of harm reduction, participants largely focused on the importance of ensuring a good “set and setting” for enhancing positive effects.

Design/methods

Questionnaires (n=163)

 

Keywords

Harm reduction
About PWUD
Illegal drugs
Hallucinogens/psychedelics