Mental Health and Safety in Relation to Drug Use

       There are many physical risks to be aware of when using drugs, and I have talked about many of them in depth on the rest of this site. But there are also many mental/emotional/social factors to consider when using psychoactive substances. The things I talk about here are drastically more important for the hallucinogen, psychedelic, and dissociative side of things, though it can apply to any substance (Terminology). I also encourage you to take a look at my post on physical drug safety HERE.

A very very important note:

       I talk about a lot of stuff in this section that may seem a little paranoid to the seasoned drug user. I would like to acknowledge that not all of these things apply to every person, for every substance, every time. These things are just generally good guidelines to follow if you have little experience, are trying something new, or if you are a nervous about your reaction. I do not want to scare you and say "drugs will make you lose control so lock yourself in a padded room and interact with no one if you must use them" because that is ridiculous and simply untrue. Intoxicated you, is still you. Nonetheless, substance use does have the ability to detach you from your memories, or awareness of social constructs, which can cause you to do things you otherwise would not. This is one of many reasons it is important to be careful with your dose and start low if you don't know what to expect, or are in a notably different setting from what you are used to.

People

       When you are under the influence of a substance you are much easier to influence. If you are around people who would like to convince you of something you would not otherwise believe, it will be easier for them to change your mind if you are intoxicated. This can mean anything from someone talking you into an activity you wouldn't otherwise participate in to believing something is wrong that you would otherwise have thought was wrong. The latter is especially important to be aware of with psychedelic usage as the belief can continue to exist even after the substance is out of your system. Also, when you are intoxicated you are more likely to disclose things you otherwise would not, so keep that in mind. People you are with while under the influence should be people you have spent time with before and consider trustworthy.

Setting

       Where you are can have an large impact on your emotional state while using any substance.Your setting should be somewhere private where you and anyone you're with will not be disturbed where you feel comfortable. It is also good to take into account the availability of a bathroom and kitchen. If you are with other people you should have some kind of space where you could be alone if you wanted to. It is also good to have access to both an inside and an outside area.
       Aside from that, ask yourself if you would be able to do something stupid there. Intoxicated you is not usually the side of you who is diligent about physical safety. Is there a sword on the wall? Is there an 8th story balcony? Are you by a busy road? Set some limits based on these things. 

Present Life

       Always remember that many substances, especially psychedelics, and to a degree alcohol, can amplify your current emotional state. If you are upset, confused, or grieving, ask yourself if you are ready to handle an amplified emotional state. 

       When you are under the influence of any substance, especially psychedelics, you have the chance of seeing yourself from an objective point of view. This means seeing things you have done and thought in the past with no memory of the motivations behind your choices. This state of mind can lead to individuals realizing just how badly they treated someone, or admitting something to themselves and others they otherwise would not have, this can entail things like:

- Large lies one has carried for a long time
- Cruel things you have done to others

- Substance abuse problems

- Hidden anger or love

- Sexuality/gender

- Mental illness

- Past trauma 
- Guilt

       Substance use not only increases the probability you may disclose these things to others but also makes them easier to admit to yourself or internalize. While that can be a good thing that helps you grow and understand who you are, if there is something in your past, or something about yourself, which you are not ready to face, maybe stay away from the psychedelic side of substances.

Mental Health

The bad stuff:

       Everything I said in the previous section applies even more in this area. Drug use can cause individuals with mental health issues to have to face how much it effects them, confront how well they have been taking care of themselves, see how their struggle has effected others, think on trauma more than they are ready to, or just plain make things worse for a little while.

       Drugs in the stimulant class are worse for those with depression because the after effects (hangover) are similar to the effects of depression and it can render usually effective coping strategies useless for a day or two. This is especially true with MDA and MDMA.

       I would also like to note that most people with psychosis, or psychotic disorders,  often have very polarized experiences with psychedelics. If you have any type of psychotic disorder, taking into account the things from the previous sections is extra important.

       Any drug which alters the reuptake or production of serotonin can cause something called serotonin syndrome which, to put it super simply, is like being stuck on the tail end of a flu. The drugs which put you at the most risk for this are cocaine/crack, MDA, and MDMA.

The good stuff:

       

       Drug use can temporarily take away the symptoms of many mental illnesses. While this can be very compelling, it is also the reason that people with mental illnesses are much more prone to drug abuse and addiction. Healthy drug use is when you use the experience to give yourself an idea of what you want to feel like, and reach for it while sober. Substance use can help you understand what better feels like, but it cannot keep you there. One should never feel that good feelings can only be obtained through, or during, substance use. 
      Many psychedelics (namely psilocybin and LSD) have an "afterglow" effect where the user feels much more content with life, and themselves, for a day or two after use. Some substances, (namely psilocybin, LSD, MDA, and MDMA) can help people be more confidant and comfortable with themselves after use, both in a physical sense and in an existential sense. Psychedelics have no chemically addictive properties we have found and have even been shown to help suppress other addictions one may be struggling with. The use of psychoactive substances also gives one the experience of personal bias suppression which can give them an opportunity learn to treat people as equals and have respect for others points of view.

Anxiety:

       Sometimes, people can have a lot of anxiety while using psychoactive substances, especially marijuana, and LSD. Here are a few tips on staying calm:


- Use a test kit
- Have a grounding object
- Know the possible dangers of the substance
- Close your eyes and focus on your breathing
- Keep in mind the outlined physical safety principals
- Have a person there to tell you they are making sure you are safe
- Be aware of how you can handle delusions and paranoia that may occur during use
- If this is a substance with overdose potential, know what to do in case of an overdose