To maximize your psychedelic experience, you need to think about the set and setting. It’s a term you’ll often hear in relation to psychedelic drugs like LSD, magic mushrooms, and mescaline, but what does it mean, what’s the difference between set and setting, and how do they impact your psychedelic experiences?
What Does “Set and Setting” Mean?
The idea of “set and setting” was first introduced by Timothy Leary in the 1960s. Leary was an advocate for psychedelic use and was referred to as a “hero of American consciousness” by poet Allen Ginsberg.
Leary conducted numerous clinical trials on the therapeutic effects of LSD and psilocybin and highlighted the importance of mindset and environment while using these drugs.
“Set” refers to the mindset, as well as the physical state of the user. The idea is that’ll you will have a much better experience if you are calm, relaxed, and receptive, bringing to mind another famous Leary quote, “turn on, tune in, drop out”.
As for “set”, it references the user’s physical and social environment. Where are they, who are they with, and how comfortable are they?
Psychedelic drugs are relatively low-risk and produce very few side effects. But they can also leave you exposed emotionally and mentally. If you’re very anxious and paranoid, and you’re surrounded by people you barely know or don’t like, you’re more likely to have a bad trip.
The same can be true for other drugs, albeit to a much lesser extent.
Opioids and sedatives are also going to make you feel relaxed, euphoric, and calm, even in higher doses. They are used as an escape from bad feelings and bad environments. But it’s a different story with psychedelics. You need to build the foundation before your journey, as opposed to simply popping a pill and letting it do the work for you.
Tips for Getting the Right Mindset Before Your Psychedelic Journey
It’s normal to feel a little anxious when you’re using a substance for the first time. Getting the “set” right isn’t about waiting for the time when you are completely free of stress, anxiety, and all other negative feelings.
That day will probably never come.
It’s about making sensible choices and doing what you can to reduce the risk.
For instance:
Be Cautious with Mental Health Issues
There have been a number of studies suggesting that LSD and psilocybin can help with depression and anxiety. But that doesn’t mean you should self-medicate as a way to fix your mental health issues.
Don’t go into your first experience assuming that it’s going to magically fix everything. Psychedelic therapy is real, but these drugs are not magic bullets.
If you have a history of hallucinations and delusions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis, you should refrain from using psychedelics.
Find the Right Time
Refrain from using psychedelics when you are very stressed and anxious. Even if you feel relatively okay in yourself, it’s best not to use them if you are going through a very difficult time in your life, such as a divorce, job change, or bereavement.
For a successful psychedelic experience, you need to avoid any anxious, panicked, and pervasive thoughts creeping up on you.
Consider Your Physical State
Your physical health is just as important as your mental health. If you’re tired, sick, injured, or otherwise not yourself, those issues may become amplified when taking psychedelics.
Sickness may lead to nausea and vomiting. Tiredness may lead to fatigue, muddied thoughts, and a sluggish, difficult experience. As for pain, most users report that even minor niggles can intensify during their psychedelic experience.
Prepare for What’s Ahead
Before beginning your psychedelic trip, you have to recognize that you may experience some shifts in your perception and consciousness. Your thought patterns may change and you’ll experience some coordination issues.
If you prepare for these issues, you’ll be less likely to panic when they hit.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Setting Before Your Psychedelic Journey
The setting refers to your physical environment, as well as your cultural environment. It’s about the place where you have your experience and the people that you have it with.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare your setting:
Remove All Responsibilities
The ideal setting is the one that makes you comfortable, but it also needs to be free of the usual distractions of daily life.
For instance, if you usually work from home and have chosen to trip at home, you may have to contend with regular phone calls and visits, as people know you’re there. If you have kids, they could intrude and make things difficult for you.
Find somewhere comfortable, focus on the room’s atmosphere, turn off your phone, and make sure you won’t be interrupted.
Trip with People You Like
Trip with people that you know, like, and trust; people who will provide you with emotional support if you find yourself on a bad trip.
The most positive experiences come when you’re surrounded by people you love. It also helps to have a sober sitter, or at least someone who is on a much smaller dose and can keep an eye on you.
Avoid Dangerous Settings
Tripping outdoors is rarely a good idea, especially if you’re an inexperienced tripper and you don’t have a sober sitter.
Avoid environments that are too public, loud, and unfamiliar. Find a comfortable room in your home or a friend’s home.
Choose Some Relaxing Music
A little classical music can be very helpful when creating your setting. You want something that sets the tone and helps you to relax.
Avoid Bad Vibes
Just because you’re a big fan of heavy metal and horror films doesn’t mean you should plan a Nightmare on Elm Street binge with Cannibal Corpse playing in the background. It’s important to do what you like, but it’s even more important to keep those bad vibes to a minimum.
Keep the lights low, avoid loud noises, and pay attention to your mental state. If you find yourself getting anxious or scared, make some changes.
Other Ways to Prepare for Psychedelic Experiences
Whether you’re preparing for your first LSD experience or your hundredth mushroom trip, refrain from using other psychoactive substances. Many experts strongly recommend avoiding caffeine and alcohol, as well.
It also helps to know what you’re getting yourself in for and to prepare accordingly. Check the doses and look for a level that you’re comfortable with. Read about trip lengths and experiences, ensuring you won’t be hassled during the trip.
What is The Difference Between Drug Set and Setting?
The set is your mind and physical state; the setting is your environment.
Both must be considered before you take psychedelic drugs, as they will have a significant impact on your experience.
What Does Psychedelic Mean?
The word “psychedelic” comes to us from the ancient Greek words meaning “mind/soul/lifeblood” and “clear/manifest”. In free translation, it means something like “mind manifesting”.
The term is used to describe drugs that produce hallucinogenic and consciousness-expanding effects, including magic mushrooms and LSD.
Summary: Set, Setting, and the Psychedelic Experience
The term “set and setting” describes the mental, emotional, physical, and environmental context that you introduce to a psychedelic experience. In simple terms, it’s all about your mindset and location, but if you want to optimize the experience, you need to go a little deeper than that.
It’s important to get the set and setting right before you begin your psychedelic journey, as doing so will increase your chances of a positive experience and keep those bad trips at bay.