It’s always important to go into a psychedelic experience with the right mindset. Knowing the right resources, information on the substance you’re taking, dosages, and common effects will all equip you for a better trip. Mental and physical preparation can also make the experience so much more enlightening, for instance before ayahuasca many partake in special diets and fasts. Each substance is unique in its offering and requires different levels of commitment from individuals. So, if you’re eager to know more about psychedelics, and which ones might be the best for beginners, keep reading!
What Are Psychedelics?
Psychedelics, a chemical compound that creates psychoactive effects, are known to enhance perception, mood, and cognitive processes. The most commonly known are psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, peyote and DMT. Psychedelics have been used for thousands of years for many reasons, such as spiritual evolution, conscious awareness, and enlightenment. Many who have ingested this substance have reported feeling more connected to nature, increased empathy, and reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fear of death. The experience, so many have said, is awakening to a new reality. Perspectives are changed, self-awareness is expanded, and life is more beautiful.
On May 5th, 1953 a man named Aldous Huxley consumed four-tenths a gram of mescaline because Psychiatrist Humphry Osmond and himself were curious to know its effects on the brain. During these studies, they found that psychedelics have the ability to treat various mental disorders, but for political and social reasons, the study was abruptly stopped.
To this day, psychedelics continue to grow in popularity and research. And through various clinical studies, one thing is certain (and scientifically proven) — they have the ability to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. On another note, it’s been said, by many among us, that after a psychedelic experience, one feels more connected to themselves and the world around them.
What Psychedelic Should Beginners Do First?
Which psychedelic should be consumed first, indubitably, varies depending on circumstance, reason, and intention. Each psychoactive substance has its own effects, and many go into the experience with different intentions. Among all reasons and motives, it really does come down to preference — however here are a few of our suggestions:
- Psychedelics For Fun: Many have reported that mescaline, known as peyote, is marginally different — in terms of psychoactive effects — from other psychedelics because its effects, more so, enhance feelings of euphoria and energy, as opposed to the intense hallucinations of DMT, LSD, and psilocybin produce. Mescaline increases serotonin and dopamine levels, similarly — and compared to all other psychedelics, is the least potent drug of the group.
- Psychedelics For Spiritual Awakenings: One of today’s most commonly used psychedelics, psilocybin, is used for treating addiction, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and, of course, spiritual enlightenment. While the connection between spiritual and psychological is a mystery, many folks have felt awakened spiritually after a psilocybin trip.
- Psychedelics for Healing Trauma: By no doubt, any psychedelic with introspection and proper setting can help heal personal traumas. However, ayahuasca is sought out for reasons such as that. The experience, overall, exposes these past events by bringing them to the surface within a conscious mindset. Amongst a safe and controlled environment, Ayahuasca allows reassessment to help heal some intense and painful parts of ourselves.
Understanding Psychedelic Dosages
Dosages, undoubtedly, vary depending on what you are looking to get out of a psychedelic experience. Needless to say, everyone’s anatomy is different, therefore, reactions and experiences differ from person to person. Here are a few dose suggestions for each psychedelic:
Microdosing: For better focus and creative thinking, microdosing is always suggested. However, each psychedelic has its own effects, for example, psilocybin increases empathy, creativity, logic, and analytical thinking. LSD, on the other hand, has opposing effects such as less empathy, but better focus, and logic. A typical microdose is anywhere between 5 to 10 percent of a normal dose.
Mushroom Trip: Preference is imperative, if you are looking for an experience that produces minimal effects, 1 gram is suggested. Euphoric and senses are enhanced, and colors are more vibrant. A common quantity is 1.75 grams and is considered a medium dose. Its effects are visuals and more intense euphoric sensations, however still not a full-blown psychedelic experience. A high dose is almost double, 3.5 grams. Which by no doubt is the full experience, effects include cognitive distortions and intensitive perception. For first-timers, this dose is not recommended, it’s safer to start off slow.
Ayahuasca Trip: Dosages do vary, depending on the potency of the plant, and which tradition, but doses usually range from 50 to 200ml. The potency of ayahuasca is understood only by whoever is brewing, or the healer, so research and references are recommended if it’s your first time doing ayahuasca, as this can be a very intense drug to consume.
LSD Trip: For a mild experience of LSD, 25 – 75 ug is recommended. Effects are mild euphoria, minimal visual effects, and usually last for about 4-6 hours. And for a more intense experience, 75-150 ug is a proper dose with its effects being stronger visuals and colors, minimal to severe hallucinations with anxiety and self-judgment being significantly lower. Higher doses are definitely not recommended for first-time users, but if consumed, the effects are way stronger with the potential to experience severe anxiety.
Peyote Trip: For lighter doses, 50-100g and 10-20g dry are suggested which are essentially 3-6 medium-sized buttons, effects are euphoria, energy, and slight visuals. Stronger doses are 150g fresh and 30g dry which are more intense feelings of all 3 effects. There are certain levels of mescaline and do vary depending on the season, and location in terms of potency.
Should You Get A Psychedelic Guide?
The majority of people who have tried psychedelics have done so, recreationally. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. But for those who do suffer from mental illnesses such as severe PTSD, anxiety, and depression, having a psychedelic guide is most definitely recommended. Healers, guides, therapists, and shamans make it easier for any participant to process pain and mental imagery easier. Confronting some difficult and traumatic times can be difficult to do solo, and with deep introspection, reflection and processing, we can better help understand ourselves and how to work through the deep-rooted pain. If used recreationally, the setting and whom you have around are very important.
Benefits of Psychedelics
Undoubtedly, psychedelics are mysteriously profound and magnificent. The mystical experiences many have encountered have had the ability to heal, and understand ourselves in unimaginable ways. With its potential to heal mental illness, expand minds, and connect us in ways this world so badly needs, psychedelic benefits far outweigh many of today’s pharmaceutical industries and their horrid side effects. With only one dose (or experience), psychedelics have the potential to transform lives, forever.
According to the Washington Post, “In one study, cancer patients were given psilocybin, a component of psychedelic mushrooms. Each patient was given one dose and then allowed to trip in a hospital room designed to look like a living room. Two medical professionals stayed close by. Afterward, almost all of the participants experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression. Scientists checked in with the patients six months later; all reported that they still felt calmer and happier. Volunteer Gail Thomas told me that the treatment helped her overcome a deep sense of loneliness. “The main message from the trip was that we’re all connected,” she said. “We’re not alone.”
So, what do you think about psychedelics for beginners, let us know your input on the matter in the comment section below? We’d love to hear from you!
- https://psychable.com/psychedelics/a-beginners-guide-to-psychedelics/
- https://missgrass.com/blogs/basics/psychedelic-trip
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidcarpenter/2021/03/21/as-more-people-turn-to-psychedelics-integration-proves-a-crucial-factor-for-breakthroughs/?sh=1ba6feae1960
- https://www.mindbloom.com/blog/what-is-psychedelic-integration
