Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41291774›Full record

ArticleHarm reduction journal2025

Best practices for first psychedelic experiences: harm reduction advice from the psychedelic community.

Daniel J Kruger, Gina Mersereau, Ashley Sullivan, Julie Barron, Moss Herberholz, Niloufar Pouyan, Jacob S Aday, Kevin F Boehnke

Abstract read
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Harm reduction journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Daniel J KrugerDepartment of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA. kruger@umich.edu.
Gina MersereauJacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
Ashley SullivanWarner School of Education and Human Development, University of Rochester, 500 Wilson Boulevard, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA.
Julie BarronBlue Sage Health Consulting, 1829 W Stadium Blvd # 700, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, USA.
Moss HerberholzThe Radical Well-Being Center, 20411 W 12 Mile Rd Suite 101, Southfield, MI, 48076, USA.
Niloufar PouyanMichigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Jacob S AdayMichigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Kevin F BoehnkeMichigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe use of psychedelics is currently increasing in the United States. Awareness of clinical trials investigating the therapeutic applications of psychedelics may result in a record number of people who use psychedelics for the first-time. This study aimed to develop a harm-reduction resource to facilitate safe and successful psychedelic experiences outside of regulated clinical and research settings. We employed a community-based approach to crowdsource practical recommendations for first-time psychedelic experiences from the psychedelic community.

methodsWe conducted an online survey with 581 individuals who reported psychedelic use (N = 581) on recommendations for people using psychedelics for the first-time, following the principles of community-based collaborative research. The survey assessed recommendations for and against specific psychedelics for first-time experiences, recommendations for and against combinations of psychedelics, and other advice for first-time experiences. Open-ended follow-up questions were included to understand participants' reasons for their recommendations. An experienced qualitative researcher and two qualitative coders analyzed responses to open-ended items.

resultsMost participants recommended psilocybin for first-time psychedelic experiences, approximately half recommended cannabis, and a third recommended MDMA/MDA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine/3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, ecstasy, molly). These substances were favored for their moderate intensity, dose-dependent effects, precise dosing, and relatively short duration of effects. Conversely, substances such as ayahuasca, DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine), 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), and Salvia divinorum or salvinorin A were not recommended due to their intensity, mental and physical health risks, and safety concerns. Participants advised against mixing psychedelics with alcohol, stimulants, antidepressants, and narcotics/opiates. Additional recommendations included embracing the experience, learning about the substance and its effects, and setting intentions for the experience.

conclusionsGiven the growing interest in psychedelics despite limited legal access and systematic education available, it is crucial to inform the public about practices that minimize risks. This project compiled recommendations from individuals who self-identified being experienced with psychedelics. The active involvement of the psychedelic community may enhance research quality and public trust in the findings.

Indexed as

HallucinogensHarm ReductionAdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overCommunity ParticipationDose-Response Relationship, DrugFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPractice Guidelines as TopicSurveys and QuestionnairesUnited StatesYoung AdultHallucinogensAdverse experiencesHarm reductionPsychedelics

Identifiers

PMID41291774
PMCPMC12648905

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.