3 Things That Will Make or Break Your Psychedelic Trip
Follow These Psychedelic Safety Pillars: Substance, Set, and Setting (For an Enjoyable Experience)
Nothing could’ve prepared me for how terrifying my first LSD trip would be.
I took an ungodly amount (without realizing it). At a party. Surrounded by people who had no idea how powerful acid was. Neither did I.
As I came up, the walls breathed, the intricate rug patterns slithered up them, and the lights flickered between blinding and dim—without anyone touching them. My mind raced, and sounds grew louder.
Then—ringing. A weird sound. My phone. A random number. I answered.
It was my vice principal. Looking for a student I had Friday detention with. She was missing.
What the fuck. Why did I answer?!
I froze, then just stopped talking… no clue if I even hung up.
Panic set in. I needed to be around my friends.
Big mistake.
Someone joked, “I heard LSD can melt your brain.”
Instantly, I saw it. Felt it. My brain—melting.
I thought, What have I done?
And I knew—I was never coming back.
Just like that, my first LSD trip was set in motion. Not cool.
These 3 things dictate whether your psychedelic trip is bliss or chaos.
Historically, psychedelics were sacred—used in rituals with strict protocols to ensure respect and proper use.
Today? It’s a different story.
Many people take them just to trip out, ignoring the potential dangers these substances pose to the fragile psyche.
You can’t take this lightly.
Psychedelics make your mind more open, suggestible, and vulnerable to both internal and external influences.
That’s why responsible use comes down to 3 core principles—universally recognized as the foundation for safe and intentional psychedelic experiences.
Substance. The psychedelic you’re taking—its dosage, effects, duration, risks, and contraindications.
Set. Your mindset—your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and attitude going in.
Setting. Your environment—where you are, the lighting, sounds, and the people around you.
These three elements shape your entire experience. They inform one another.
If you don’t know what you’re taking and how it will affect you, you’re playing psychedelic Russian Roulette.
If your set isn’t right, anxiety and paranoia can spiral into a full-blown nightmare—turning even the most serene space into a living hell.
And if your setting isn’t dialed in? No matter how strong your mindset is, external chaos can sneak in and take over.
Here’s how you can optimize the 3 for the best psychedelic trips of your life.
Know your substance
Before you take any substance, make sure to do your research:
Understand the dosage – Know the difference between micro, low, moderate, and high doses.
Learn the effects at each dosage range – (My favorite resource for this.)
Review potential risks & contraindications – When not to use the substance.
Check the duration – How long the experience is likely to last.
Test your substance for adulterants – (Here’s a good place to get drug testing kits.)
Knowing your dose and what to expect is key to responsible psychedelic use.
Even if it’s your first time, you should understand the experience and potential risks.
Prime your set
Set is your mindset—your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and attitude going into the trip.
Psychedelics amplify whatever mental state you bring with you.
Enter with negativity, anxiety, or fear, and those feelings will intensify.
But approach with a positive, carefree attitude, and you’re far more likely to have a smooth, uplifting experience.
Here are some ways you can prime your mind before your psychedelic journey:
The (mind) set checklist
Pick one goal—insight, healing, recreation, or self-discovery—and focus on it throughout the trip.
Release stress with journaling, meditation, or deep breathing before you start.
Lift your mood with music, a favorite story/quote/poem, or a calming activity.
Avoid entering the trip during high stress. Resolve or wait for a better time.
Clear your calendar of any obligations—appointments, meetings, or events.
Use breathwork, EFT tapping, neurofeedback, or light meditation to center your mind before you begin.
Use essential oils to enhance mood: lavender for calm, peppermint for energy, rosemary for focus.
Curate your setting
Setting refers to your environment—space, lighting, smells, sounds, people, and overall ambiance.
A calm and peaceful setting enhances the experience, while a chaotic environment can trigger stress or discomfort.
Setting optimization checklist
Find a setting with these qualities:
Choose a familiar, comfortable space.
Ensure privacy and minimal distractions.
Keep the environment clutter-free.
Have access to a toilet and water.
Set up a resting area for lying down.
Allow space for movement (yoga, stretching).
Use soft, adjustable lighting.
Prepare calming music or ambient sounds.
Turn off phones and devices.
Outdoor environments can be great for psychedelic journeys.
The people you’re with are part of your setting. Never trip with people you don’t trust or get along with.
Checking these off will create an environment that enhances your experience.
I went through hell and back during my first LSD experience.
But it could’ve been avoided by knowing what I was taking (substance), having a balanced headspace (set), and being in a safe environment (setting).
Psychedelics are powerful and deserve respect—disrespect them, and they’ll humble you fast.
I used to chase high doses like a hero—don’t do that. Start low and go slow.
Honestly, I’m still processing my first LSD trip (which was over a decade ago)... it shook me up.
Now, I’m meticulous about what I take, my mindset, and curating the right environment. It makes all the difference.
I’m curious—Have you ever taken a psychedelic without knowing what you were getting into? How did you handle it? Did it change how you approach psychedelics now?
Hit reply and let me know.
Stay safe and have a good trip,
Onjae