| Both sides previous revisionPrevious revisionNext revision | Previous revision |
| types_of_psychedelic_experience [2023/12/12 18:52] – kindredseer | types_of_psychedelic_experience [2023/12/12 18:55] (current) – kindredseer |
|---|
| As mentioned above, the type of psychedelic experience is primarily controlled through //[[dosing|dosage]]//, //set//, and //setting//, as well as the substance(s) involved. Exact dosages are substance specific, but the type of dose can be described in many ways which may at first sound confusing, such as //micro, threshold, mini, museum, low, medium, moderate, high, very high, heroic, ultra//, or //mega//. The "set" is refers to the mindset of the person including thoughts, mood and expectations. The "setting" is the physical environment one takes the substance in. The substance itself can influence the mindset through preconceived notions, its name, texture, flavour, or lack thereof, and its particular [[psychoactive drug|psychoactive]] properties will of course contribute to the type of experience, including the duration, sensations, progression, and physical feelings. | As mentioned above, the type of psychedelic experience is primarily controlled through //[[dosing|dosage]]//, //set//, and //setting//, as well as the substance(s) involved. Exact dosages are substance specific, but the type of dose can be described in many ways which may at first sound confusing, such as //micro, threshold, mini, museum, low, medium, moderate, high, very high, heroic, ultra//, or //mega//. The "set" is refers to the mindset of the person including thoughts, mood and expectations. The "setting" is the physical environment one takes the substance in. The substance itself can influence the mindset through preconceived notions, its name, texture, flavour, or lack thereof, and its particular [[psychoactive drug|psychoactive]] properties will of course contribute to the type of experience, including the duration, sensations, progression, and physical feelings. |
| |
| === Phases of the Psychedelic Experience === | ==== Phases of the Psychedelic Experience ==== |
| The psychedelic experience is comprised of three primary phases -- //onset//, //peak//, and //comedown//, each of which may be divided into subphases, and each having their own associated attributes. | The psychedelic experience is comprised of three primary phases -- //onset//, //peak//, and //comedown//, each of which may be divided into subphases, and each having their own associated attributes. |
| |
| == Onset == | === Onset === |
| The onset can be divided into a //pre-onset// period, and a full //onset// period. The pre-onset period is the period between ingestion of a psychedelic, and the onset of the first perceivable effects. During the onset there can be heightened feelings of anticipation and restlessness, and sometimes a strong desire to go for a walk. Some people may feel some nausea, and others may feel euphoria, inebriation, or a mix of all three. Often the first effects to be noticed are visual, becoming more clear and in-focus, even to the point of not needing (or desiring) to wear one's glasses. | The onset can be divided into a //pre-onset// period, and a full //onset// period. The pre-onset period is the period between ingestion of a psychedelic, and the onset of the first perceivable effects. During the onset there can be heightened feelings of anticipation and restlessness, and sometimes a strong desire to go for a walk. Some people may feel some nausea, and others may feel euphoria, inebriation, or a mix of all three. Often the first effects to be noticed are visual, becoming more clear and in-focus, even to the point of not needing (or desiring) to wear one's glasses. |
| |
| == Peak == | === Peak === |
| Depending on the dose and the substance, the peak may or may not have a significant plateau, but it represents the //highest// point of the experience, with the most pronounced effects, as well as the point where one should be having the most //deep// and inward part of the experience. This phase can include both the topmost pre-peak and post-peak aspects. | Depending on the dose and the substance, the peak may or may not have a significant plateau, but it represents the //highest// point of the experience, with the most pronounced effects, as well as the point where one should be having the most //deep// and inward part of the experience. This phase can include both the topmost pre-peak and post-peak aspects. |
| |
| == Comedown == | === Comedown === |
| The comedown is the phase where the peak has been left behind, and the journey down to baseline has commenced. If the peak was particularly stressful, this phase may come as a welcome relief. Likewise if the peak was very enjoyable, then there may be a strong desire at this point to extend the effects. The comedown lasts until the effects are completely worn off and return to //baseline//. | The comedown is the phase where the peak has been left behind, and the journey down to baseline has commenced. If the peak was particularly stressful, this phase may come as a welcome relief. Likewise if the peak was very enjoyable, then there may be a strong desire at this point to extend the effects. The comedown lasts until the effects are completely worn off and return to //baseline//. |
| |
| === Dosing vs Type of Experience === | ==== Dosing for the experience ==== |
| |
| While the set, setting, and dosage work together towards fostering the best mix for the intended experience, it is easiest to organize the type of experience in order of dosage, from lowest to highest, even though this a more of a general guideline: | While the set, setting, and dosage work together towards fostering the best mix for the intended experience, it is easiest to organize the type of experience in order of dosage, from lowest to highest, even though this a more of a general guideline: |
| |
| == Utilitarian or Performance Enhancing == | === Utilitarian or Performance Enhancing === |
| At the lower end of the scale, with the //micro//, //threshold//, and //mini// doses. The experiences tend to be more //utilitarian// -- that is to be compared more to the usage of things like tea, coffee, energy drinks, vitamins, supplements, and nootropics, but some people have also used these doses to reduce their dependency on pharmaceutical medications. While these dosages rarely involve perceivable effects, users have reported definite improvement in mood, motivation, mindfulness, concentration, and creative problem solving, as well as aiding in leadership, and athletic performance. | At the lower end of the scale, with the //micro//, //threshold//, and //mini// doses the experiences tend to be more //utilitarian// -- that is to be compared more to the usage of things like tea, coffee, energy drinks, vitamins, supplements, and nootropics, but some people have also used these doses to reduce their dependency on pharmaceutical medications. While these dosages rarely involve perceivable effects, users have reported definite improvement in mood, motivation, mindfulness, concentration, and creative problem solving, as well as aiding in leadership, and athletic performance. |
| |
| == Recreational Use == | === Recreational Use === |
| The //museum//, //concert//, //small//, //low//, or sometimes even //medium// doses are sometimes used //recreationally// for such things as improved art and music appreciation (hence the "museum" or "concert" dose), but also as an alternative to other recreational substances such as alcohol or cannabis, and can work well in group social settings to enhance social bonding, as well as alone for personal exploration. | The //museum//, //concert//, //small//, //low//, or sometimes even //medium// doses are sometimes used //recreationally// for such things as improved art and music appreciation (hence the "museum" or "concert" dose), but also as an alternative to other recreational substances such as alcohol or cannabis, and can work well in group social settings to enhance social bonding, as well as alone for personal exploration. |
| |
| At this higher end of the recreational dose, the experience is often referred to as a //"trip"//, as it can sometimes feel like you have phased into an alternate dimension, where the familiar turns strange, and the mundane becomes fascinating. Colours and contrasts become vibrant, and sometimes the inanimate becomes animated. | At this higher end of the recreational dose, the experience is often referred to as a //"trip"//, as it can sometimes feel like you have phased into an alternate dimension, where the familiar turns strange, and the mundane becomes fascinating. Colours and contrasts become vibrant, and sometimes the inanimate becomes animated. |
| |
| == Spiritual Practice == | === Spiritual Practice === |
| |
| //For higher doses, careful consideration of set and setting is essential, and it is recommended to have an experienced guide (or facilitator) to “hold space” for the individual. The presence of a guide enhances safety and provides valuable support for individuals navigating the intensified and transformative nature of higher-dose experiences.// | //For higher doses, careful consideration of set and setting is essential, and it is recommended to have an experienced guide (or facilitator) to “hold space” for the individual. The presence of a guide enhances safety and provides valuable support for individuals navigating the intensified and transformative nature of higher-dose experiences.// |
| Plants containing molecules, such as [[mescaline]] and [[psilocybin]] have a very long history of ceremonial use, possibly dating back many thousands of years, and typically tend to have the potential to induce a mystical state where the user becomes //"one"// with //God//, the Universe, or the //Absolute//. Other experiences can involve feelings that //everything is connected//, or that //everything is alive// ([[animism]]). | Plants containing molecules, such as [[mescaline]] and [[psilocybin]] have a very long history of ceremonial use, possibly dating back many thousands of years, and typically tend to have the potential to induce a mystical state where the user becomes //"one"// with //God//, the Universe, or the //Absolute//. Other experiences can involve feelings that //everything is connected//, or that //everything is alive// ([[animism]]). |
| |
| == Medicinal / Therapeutic == | === Medicinal / Therapeutic === |
| |
| //The doses used in private [[psychedelic therapy]] are typically higher than those used in group ceremonies, as the setting is usually more controlled, with medical professionals able to provide care and assistance.// | //The doses used in private [[psychedelic therapy]] are typically higher than those used in group ceremonies, as the setting is usually more controlled, with medical professionals able to provide care and assistance.// |