Skip to content

trip preparation checklist

Preparing for a psychedelic journey is a crucial step that can shape the entire experience. Careful preparation helps ensure safety and promotes a more profound exploration of the psyche. Here are some useful practices and questions to consider before embarking on such a journey: 

Intention Setting: 

  • What is my intention for this experience? 
  • What do I hope to learn, understand, or explore during this journey? 

Health and Safety: 

  • Is my current mental and physical health suitable for a psychedelic experience? 
  • Have I researched the potential risks and effects of the substance I’m considering? 
  • Do I have a plan in case of a difficult or overwhelming experience? 

Environment: 

  • Have I chosen a setting that is safe, comfortable, and free from interruptions? 
  • Could changing the setting in any way make it more conducive to a positive experience? 

Support: 

  • Who will be my trip sitter or guide, and do I trust them completely? 
  • Have I discussed my intentions with this person so they know how to best support me? 

Logistics: 

  • Have I cleared my schedule to ensure I won’t have any obligations or disruptions? 
  • Do I have everything I need, such as water, comfortable clothing, and a safe means of transportation if needed? 

Mood and Mindset: 

  • What is my current emotional state, and how might it affect the experience? 
  • Am I feeling pressured in any way to partake, and if so, is this the right time for me? 

Educational Preparation: 

  • Have I done sufficient research to understand the substance, its effects, the dosage, and the duration? 
  • Do I know the legal status and potential legal consequences surrounding the use of psychedelics in my area? 

Integration Planning: 

  • How will I give myself space and time for reflection and integration after the experience? 
  • Who can I speak with afterward who will understand and support my integration process? 

Contingency Planning: 

  • What’s my plan if I experience anxiety, panic, or another intense negative reaction? 
  • Who can I contact in an emergency, and do they have access to necessary information? 

Personal Growth: 

  • What personal patterns or behaviors am I open to examining, and am I prepared to confront them? 
  • How committed am I to translating any insights gained into my daily life?