Checklist for Preparing a (For Travellers & Trip Sitters) July 1st, 2019

This is a checklist for anyone planning to take a psychedelic substance. Obviously, I cannot and do not promote the use of such substances, and this information is intended to improve the consequences of people who plan to take something regardless. Going through this checklist is by no means sufficient preparation, but it should definitely increase the likelihood of having a valuable experience. It is supposed to complement other sources out there (TripSafe, Third ​ ​ ​ Wave, , Trippingly, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide, and others). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

I recommend going through the complete checklist from top to bottom at the latest a day before the trip, and ideally earlier so you can adjust your preparations. Do not be afraid to postpone or cancel a trip when it does not seem a good idea anymore.

Trip safe, and I hope you get what you need! :)

Medical info

❏ Does the traveller have any physical medical condition? ❏ If yes, check online for interactions ❏ Is the traveller on any medication? ❏ If yes, check online for interactions ❏ Does the traveller, or their family, have a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder? ❏ If yes, this increases the risk of taking psychedelics enormously, so I strongly recommend against taking psychedelics. ​ ​ ❏ Are you planning to ‘face suffering’, look for darkness, or would others describe you as mentally unstable? ❏ If yes, this increases the risk of taking psychedelics enormously, so I strongly recommend against taking psychedelics. Try to find professional help instead. ​ ​

]\

Preparation traveller

Substance ❏ Does the traveller know about the drug? ❏ Duration (check Erowid) ​ ​ ❏ Dose ❏ Tested or reliable source? ❏ Effects for the chosen dosage ❏ How were previous experiences?

Set ❏ Does the traveller have an intention? ❏ Any specific expectations? ❏ Optional: read Using the Psychedelic Experience for Personal Growth ​ ❏ Has the traveller read background information? ❏ Trip reports (read good & bad ones) ​ ❏ Has the traveller taken enough time? ❏ (Day) Before to relax, reflect, and otherwise prepare ❏ Day of trip: zero commitments ❏ Day after to process the experience (ideally: zero commitments) ❏ Is the traveller in a good mindspace to take a ride down below? (Set) ❏ Any neurodivergence? (Autism, anxiety, depression, other) ❏ If yes, google/ask for interactions :)

Setting ❏ Music ❏ Do you have 8 hours worth of music? (Consider using the John Hopkin’s playlist used in studying ) ​ ​ ❏ Listenable on headphones? ❏ Notifications off/Flight mode phone ❏ Do you have eyeshades for going inward? ❏ Taken a shit before? ❏ Safe place? ❏ Will you not be interrupted by other people? ❏ Clean(ish) and tidy(ish) environment? ❏ Materials available? (Writing/drawing) ❏ Drinks/food available? (Some recommendations: juice, easy-to-eat & healthy food (e.g. grapes)) Don’t cook while under influence.

1

]\

Preparation sitter

If you don’t have a tripsitter, consider finding someone. If you decide to use psychedelics without a tripsitter, adjust your expectations to being more limited in your behavior. You will probably spend some time on small tasks (e.g. finding an item) and will need to deal with mental crises by yourself ;) Further resources for trip sitting. ​ ​

❏ Has the sitter read background information on how to tripsit? ❏ TripSafe: Psychedelic Trip Sitter Guide Main takeaways: ❏ Be supportive (i.e. a sitter), not directive (i.e a guide) ❏ Talk people through experiences, not down/away ❏ In case of crisis ❏ Does the sitter know the person well? ❏ Any neurodivergence? (Autism, anxiety, depression, other) ❏ If yes, google/ask for interactions :) ❏ Music wishes of traveller(s) ❏ Does the sitter know the drug and its effects? ❏ Is there enough food available? ❏ Know where to find everything? ❏ Communicated guidelines with traveller(s)? ❏ Ready to spend lots of time sober? ❏ Reading/other non-disturbing entertainment ❏ Comfortable place to sit ❏ Is the sitter in a good mindspace to take care of others?

Interaction between traveller & sitter

❏ Does the traveller feel comfortable being open and vulnerable with the sitter? ❏ Any asks from the traveller? (“remind me to..” or materials at hand) ❏ Access to toilet in case needed? ❏ Wishes for communication? Example questions: ❏ “Would you like to describe where you find yourself?” ❏ “Why did you take this drug?” ❏ Wishes for role of sitter ❏ Taking notes? ❏ Participate (socially, not in taking drug) ❏ Does the tripper want to go outside? (Especially good after the peak)

2