promoting safer tripping

Hallucinogens have been used medicinally and in religious or spiritual ceremonies since ancient times. Today people still use them for these purposes as well as to have fun and for the pursuit of novelty and the expansion of perceptual horizons. Some people find hallucinogens can make them feel euphoric, empathetic and open with other people. However, for some people, using hallucinogens can be a scary experience, especially if alone and in need of reassurance that things will eventually return to normal.

The use of hallucinogens always has the potential for risk. Hallucinogens are illegal drugs and therefore unregulated, so people can’t always be sure what they're buying and using. Communities need to foster ways to discuss the risks involved in using hallucinogens. Factors to consider include:

• potential health risks for the person using hallucinogens
• unpredictable effects of hallucinogens related to unregulated production and distribution
• careless risk-taking while under the influence, and depression and/or anxiety afterwards
• risks of acute negative experiences related to unfamiliar or unsafe environments

Reducing the harm from hallucinogen use involves a range of initiatives to address drug use patterns, personal and collective capacities and a variety of social and environmental factors.

Some Strategies to Reduce Risk

Reach out to people who may be using hallucinogens in harmful or risky ways (e.g., engage them in conversation about their use of hallucinogens through open-ended questions; share information like the Safer Tripping brochure; encourage and support their efforts to adopt healthier patterns of use) – see Art of Motivation for ways to offer support (it works for young people and adults too).

Collaborate with drug user networks (e.g., support gatherings to share ideas and explore ways to promote safer tripping practices; provide informational resources that can be distributed through the networks; train peer mentors in safer tripping practices and referral processes).

Support dialogue and collaboration among community-based service providers (e.g., explore ways to work together to promote safer tripping, particularly among street-involved youth; share ideas on how to provide those who don’t have access to housing with a calm and safe place to go if they are tripping; engage in joint initiatives to increase social supports and address public attitudes; develop a common language and understanding on services and supports; develop joint educational materials).

Contact alternative medicine stores and other shops or organizations involved in exploring the use of hallucinogens to look at ways to work together to promote safer tripping (e.g., distribute the Safer Tripping brochure or an information card; organize gatherings with people who use hallucinogens to share ideas for reducing harms and to talk about products you might develop together).

Engage your community in discussions and actions that promote social equity (e.g., work to ensure people have access to secure and safe housing and meaningful employment; assess public policy using an equity lens to determine if current policies disproportionately impact some groups within the community).