The popularity of taking “shrooms” is increasing all over the Western world. Science is looking into the health benefits mainly for people with mental health disorders but is also looking at the lasting positive effects on healthy people. The potential positive effects on personal development are enormous. And then there are the additional use cases of microdosing and the recreational use of psychedelics. So the question of “What is the best way to take mushrooms?” is a valid one. Below, we will talk about the do’s and don'ts. What should be avoided and what should always be taken into consideration?
What not to do when taking magic mushrooms
With all the benefits being advertised and articles being published, it can almost feel like shrooms are good for everything. And while the benefits and science are valid, psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is not a substance that should be taken lightly. Science shows us 67% of the participants put their experience with psychedelics in their top 5 of most valuable experiences1, but only when done right. Bad trips are a fact, so first we’ll give you some absolute “don’ts” when taking magic mushrooms before we look at some of the best practices when taking magic mushrooms.
Don’t mix and match with other substances.
Don’t mix magic mushrooms with other drugs (or medicine). This includes alcohol. Even the use of caffeine can have a strong effect on the trip so we always recommend not drinking coffee. Mixing with cannabis can lead to paranoia. Combining these substances with hard drugs such as cocaine, MDMA or other, similar drugs can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed. And don’t mix with other psychedelic substances such as ayahuasca, LSD or 2CB. The effect is similar but the dosing of the substances becomes close to impossible as it is uncertain how these drugs interact. In short; you should understand that a part of tripping is the intensification and amplification of feelings, emotions and thought patterns. To yield the most benefits and avoid a negative or unnecessary confusing experience, the best way is to experience these in a clear way. Trust us; taking the magic mushrooms without any other substance is more than enough to have the experience of a lifetime.
Be safe to feel safe
Another important practical “don’t” is taking magic mushrooms at a location that is unsafe. So no busy roads, high buildings, cliffs, deep water, wild animals, etc. Tripping, even done perfectly right, can sometimes be pretty confusing. An external danger or even an external fear of a possible danger definitely won’t help. It could unintentionally change an overwhelming situation to a fearful situation, and a fearful situation to a dangerous situation. Being in a trusting and physically safe environment will benefit your trip the most.
Be aware of contra-indications
Last but not least. Psychedelics are not for everybody, and even when it is for you, it should not be taken without the right considerations. Awayk uses strict selection criteria and so should you. We use this to ensure a participant will benefit from the experience and the experience won’t form a threat to their own well-being. Our Participant Agreement provides a clear overview. They use the same list in clinical trials, but we added some considerations based on our experience. It lists all the mental conditions, medicine use, family history and past traumas we think should exclude someone from taking a psychedelic substance. If after reading you have any doubts, questions or concerns, please reach out. We are here to help, even if you are nowhere near considering an Awayk journey.
And now, what is the best way to take “shrooms”?
Here we will focus on various aspects that are to be taken into account when taking magic mushrooms. The information provided applies to using psychedelics for personal development. This will not (always) apply to microdosing. To learn more about microdosing read our blogpost on microdosing. We will cover:
- Guidance
- Set
- Setting
- Preparation
- Dosage
- Integration
Guidance
For any psychedelic journey that is aimed at personal development, having a guide to support you will make all the difference. From preparation through integration, they will be there for you to help you make the most out of it. A good guide should:
- Be experienced
- Be trustworthy and fully trusted by you
- Be open-minded and mindful
- Know how the mind works
- Be knowledgeable about the substance and its effects.
- Know how to set the setting
- Know how to foster the right mindset and
- Stay sober during the entire process (this is our opinion, which is not shared by all)
Set
The "set" refers to the mindset, expectations, and psychological state of the individual embarking on a psychedelic journey. A person's inner landscape plays a pivotal role in shaping the experience; it is vital to cultivate openness and respect for the substances. “Tripping” involves introspection and self-reflection, clarifying of your motivations, and acknowledging fears or anxieties that may arise. The right mindset is one of curiosity, openness, embrace and without judgment. Like a young kid who is discovering new things.
A good guide will help you create the right mindset, by simply talking about your current and desired mindset, or by using breathing exercises or guided meditations
Setting
The setting entails your physical, emotional and social surroundings. Creating a safe and supportive setting is essential for optimising the experience and mitigating potential risks. The surroundings should be comfortable, have the correct type of music, dim lighting and access to nature. r support if needed.
There should be no sudden disturbance possible. Start early, so you are not pressured to finish in time. A guide should give you a sense of a safe haven, granting you the permission to really let go of the intention to stay in control.
If it is a group setting, make sure you trust each other wholeheartedly and feel comfortable enough around them to cry or be angry, laugh out loud or be silent. A good set, setting and guide, are enough to make a safe and deep trip. Keep reading if you want to know how you can maximise the actual benefits of taking shrooms.
Preparation
Scientific studies, such as "Carhart-Harris, R. L. et al (2018): Psychedelics and the essential importance of context" and "Cavarra, M. et al (2022): Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy—A Systematic Review" strongly support and emphasise the role of preparation and integration. At Awayk, we double down on our preparation phase. Good preparation reduces anxiety, builds trust, fosters a positive mindset before taking the mushrooms, and provides tools for navigating the experience. This leads to a more profound and meaningful experience and significantly lowers the chances of having a “bad trip.” Read more about our preparation here.
Dosage
The dosage of shrooms plays a critical role in shaping the intensity and duration of the experience. Too high a dose and things might get scary. Plus, most of the benefits occur in the subconscious, so it might be difficult to recall their experience. Too low a dose and one will not exceed the journey threshold and receive limited value from the trip. Contrary to what many think, dosing has little to do with gender or body weight. Instead, it depends on the desire for control and the rigidity of ego structure. If someone can fully surrender, they are more likely to have a full-blown experience on a lower dose.
Integration
Proper and thoughtful integration supports lasting positive changes by helping individuals make sense of their journey's insights and apply them to their daily lives. Integration bridges the insights gained during a psychedelic journey and their meaningful integration into everyday life. They should help to relive the insightful feeling daily, to enable and hold a more conscious mind and let small changes happen. We consider four ingredients crucial for optimising these positive sustainable changes.
Concluding words
Taking magic mushrooms can result in it being one of the most impactful things you will ever do. But it does depend on doing it right. Bad trips are real, but can also be managed if set, setting and dosage are being controlled. here is one other thing to be considered though; always do your own research, like you are doing now. Be open and sceptical at the same time. There is a lot of information out there, and while most of it is correct and meant well, we have also seen false information. When in doubt, feel free to drop us a line. We are here for you.
