Set and setting
Set and setting describes the context for psychedelic experiences. One's mindset (shortened to "set") is the mental state a person brings to the experience, like thoughts, mood and expectations. The current physical state of one's body is also important; if one feels sick or injured, these sensations may be amplified during the trip. Setting is the physical and social environment. It is able to control or guide the course of the experience, both consciously and subconsciously. Since psychedelics often enhance the emotions one is currently feeling, stress, fear, or a disagreeable environment may result in an unpleasant experience (bad trip). Conversely, a relaxed, curious person in a warm, comfortable, and safe place is more likely to have a pleasant experience.
Mindset
One of the most important factors to consider as an inexperienced user is one's current state of mind. Many substances exponentially enhance a person's current state of mind, emotions and general perspective on the world which is a process that can go in either a positive and euphoric direction or a negative, terrifying, and anxiety ridden direction. It is because of this that many substances should not be used by the inexperienced during stressful or negative periods of life and users should be fully aware of the ways in which hallucinogens and other drugs, particularly psychedelics, consistently force a person to face and deal with their personal introspective problems (including any past trauma) that all human beings deal with.
It has often been recommended that those with severe pre-existing mental conditions (especially individuals with psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia) should not ingest these substances due to the way they strongly increase one's current state of mind and emotions as well as cause delusions and hallucinations.
Throughout the experience itself, the user should try to let go and allow the effects to take charge. One should be taking the metaphorical passenger seat and not try to control any part of the experience. It is extremely important that people simply relax and take things as they come. The user should understand that the act of tripping is often ineffable and incomprehensible at high enough dosages, meaning that an acceptance of not being able to understand the full scope of what is happening should be present at all times. It is recommended that one face the fact that their thought processes, although more insightful in places, will be inherently impaired along with motor control, conversational skills and general functioning. The user should be sure to view these effects as normal and not feel self-conscious or insecure about them within the presence of others.
Physical state
The current condition that one's body is in is as important as one's mood when going into a trip. If one feels tired, sick or injured, these sensations will manifest as amplified versions of the same conditions during the trip which, when combined with the possible body load of the drug, may easily ruin one's mood and therefore the rest of the experience. Tactile enhancement, which occurs on many psychedelics, can be described as an overall enhancement in the intensity of tactile input alongside of an increase in one's overall awareness of the nerve endings across one's body. This effect in particular can make physical injuries more painful while tripping, including any pre-existing back pain. Instead of tripping during a stressful, tired, sick or injured time in your life, one should wait for a more suitable opportunity in order to drastically lower one's chances of having a bad experience.
Setting
Choosing an appropriate and safe place to undergo the effects of a psychedelic is extremely important and plays a huge factor in determining the outcome of an experience. The best place for an inexperienced user is a familiar, safe, and indoor environment that is completely devoid and free of certain factors which can cause a direct negative influence.
- Ensure that one is completely free of responsibilities during the experience and the day after as the simplest of tasks will become incredibly difficult and sometimes stressful under the influence of certain intoxicating substances. One should be relaxing and remaining comfortable, not performing chores. This includes driving and operating heavy machinery for obvious reasons.
- Avoid people who are irrelevant as they should not be present throughout the duration of the experience. This includes parents who are sleeping in the same house and close friends who are anything but extremely trustworthy and understanding. The mere presence of people can be very anxiety-inducing for many individuals.
- A sober, responsible, and trustworthy trip sitter is strongly recommended to be present if one is inexperienced with psychedelics.
- Avoid potentially dangerous, loud, unfamiliar, cluttered, and/or public environments. The more cluttered and messy one's environment is the more disorganized and negative one's state of mind can be.
- Avoid general bad vibes of any sort. This may seem obvious, but do not watch scary or unpleasant films and do not listen to unpleasant music. If bad vibes are encompassing the experience, they can easily be escaped by quickly changing your environment. For example, if one is sitting down with the light off, stand up and put the lights on, change the music, or move to a different area and any negative thoughts should immediately reset to base level.
Once a person has become familiar with their substance of choice and aware of their own limits, it becomes entirely down to them as an individual when it comes to whether or not they would be comfortable tripping in a more recreational environment such as nature, social gatherings, parties, raves, etc. The inexperienced, however, should always seek out a safe, comfortable room at home or a friend's house. This should be with privacy, relaxing music, comfortable seating, a vomit bucket (in case of nausea) and readily available food/water.
