How Can You Use Psychedelics Safely?

Posted: October 28, 2025

In this article, we explore the practical steps people take to keep themselves safe when engaging with psychedelics. We'll cover preparation, setting, and integration as the key elements of a safe psychedelic experience.

Synopsis

A 2025 study illustrates that experienced psychedelic users place a broad array of harm reduction practices on a pedestal. Preparation is the most common. These practices entail careful planning of setting, having a reliable sitter present, and integration of the experience afterward. These are crucial in staying safe and reaping maximum benefits. This article will break down these tried-and-true practices to allow you to understand how to safely and intentionally use psychedelics.

The Growing Need for Psychedelic Safety

The conversation around psychedelics is changing. Once relegated to the fringes of society, these powerful compounds are now at the forefront of a mental health revolution. Research shows that they can potentially treat a variety of conditions. But with growing interest in psychedelics comes the need for clear information on how to use them safely. The question is no longer whether psychedelics can be useful, but how we can make experiences with them as safe and supportive as possible [1].

That is where harm reduction comes in. Harm reduction is a set of pragmatic strategies to reducing negative effects of drug use. It is a non-judgmental practice that meets people where they are. It gives them information and resources to make informed decisions for their health and well-being [2]. With psychedelics, harm reduction is not about promoting use. It is about giving a framework of safety for those who choose to use these drugs.

The Three Main Elements of Psychedelic Harm Reduction

A recent article outlines what harm reduction practices experienced psychedelic users engage in [3]. The authors found that most of these practices fall under three main categories: preparation, in-session strategies, and post-session integration. Let's discuss in-depth each one of these elements.

1. Preparation: Laying the Groundwork for a Safe Trip

Preparation was the most common harm reduction strategy mentioned in the research. This makes sense. Preparation is crucial to creating a safe and positive container for a psychedelic experience. This varies from researching the substance you will be taking to taking a close look at your mindset and environment. This is generally termed "set and setting" [4].

Set refers to your internal state. This involves your thoughts, feelings, and intentions going into the experience. You wish to be in a positive and open-minded state. You should have a good idea of why you are choosing to use a psychedelic. Setting refers to your external environment. It's the physical place where you'll be having your experience and the people you'll be with. A familiar, safe, and comfortable setting is essential. So is having a sober and reliable "sitter" who can be helpful if needed.

2. In-Session Strategies: Working with the Psychedelic Space

In spite of ideal preparation, a psychedelic experience can be challenging at some point. For this, it is wise to have some strategies for difficult moments. Numerous in-session harm reduction strategies were reported by the study participants. These included focusing on their breath, listening to calming music, and reminding themselves that the experience would pass [3].

Another in-session strategy is to surrender to the experience rather than trying to fight with or control it. This can be difficult to do, especially when working with painful thoughts or emotions. But it is often the most effective way of getting through them. Having a safe sitter who can offer reassurance and a grounding presence can be invaluable for these moments.

3. Integration: Bringing the Lessons Home

The psychedelic experience doesn't end when the drug wears off. In fact, some of the most important work is done in the days, weeks, and months that follow. This is integration. It is the process of making sense of your experience and bringing the insights and lessons learned into your life [5].

Integration can take many forms. This can be anything from journaling and talking to a therapist to spending time in nature and mindfulness meditation. The goal is to create a bridge between the psychedelic experience and everyday life. In this manner, the experience can become a source of long-term healthy change. If it is not integrated, the lessons of a psychedelic experience can be lost. The potential for long-term growth can be lost.

A New Era of Responsible Psychedelic Use

As psychedelics become increasingly mainstream, the need for evidence-based harm reduction practices will only intensify. The research is in. With intention, preparation, and support, psychedelic experiences can be extremely safe and therapeutic. By embracing the principles of harm reduction, we can promote a culture of responsible psychedelic use. One that prioritizes safety, education, and well-being for all.

References

[1] Pilecki, B., Luoma, J. B., Bathje, G. J., Rhea, J., & Narloch, V. F. (2021). Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1), 1-12. https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-021-00489-1

[2] Harm Reduction International. (n.d.). What is Harm Reduction?. Retrieved from https://harmreduction.org/about-us/principles-of-harm-reduction/

[3] Carstensen, H., et al. (2025). Harm reduction practises for users of psychedelic drugs: a scoping review. Harm Reduction Journal, 22(1), 1-15. https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-025-01264-2

[4] Hartogsohn, I. (2024). Set and setting for psychedelic harm reduction. In The Handbook of Psychedelic Harm Reduction. Springer, Cham. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/7854_2024_509[

5] Gorman, I., Nielson, E. M., Molinar, A., Cassidy, M., & Sabbagh, J. (2021). Psychedelic harm reduction and integration: A transtheoretical model for clinical practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 645246. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645246/full

Disclaimer: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy has not been approved by any regulatory agencies in the United States, and the safety and efficacy are still not formally established at the time of this writing.