Psychedelics - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

There is no safe level of drug use. The use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Psychedelics affect everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch).

The effects of psychedelics can last several hours and vary considerably, depending on the specific type of psychedelic.

The following may be experienced during this time: feelings of euphoria

• sense of relaxation and wellbeing
• seeing and hearing things that aren’t there
• confusion and trouble concentrating
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• clumsiness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• breathing quickly
• vomiting
• sweating and chills
• numbness.

Sometimes you can experience a ‘bad trip’, which is frightening and disturbing hallucinations.

• This can lead to panic and unpredictable behaviour, like running across a road or attempting suicide.
• If you take a large amount or have a strong batch, you are likely to experience the negative effects of psychedelics.

The most common long-term effect of psychedelic use is the ‘flashback’. Flashbacks are a re-experience of the drug and can occur days, weeks, months and even years later.

• Flashbacks can be triggered by the use of other drugs or by stress, fatigue or physical exercise. The flashback experience can range from being pleasant to causing severe feelings of anxiety. They are usually visual and last for a minute or two.

The effects of mixing psychedelics with other drugs, including alcohol, prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines, are often unpredictable.

• Mixing psychedelics with stimulant drugs increases the stimulant effects and can further increase heart rate and place the body under extreme stress. Stimulants can also increase anxiety which can lead to a negative experience.
• Combing psychedelics with depressant drugs such as alcohol may further reduce coordination and increases the chances of vomiting. Alcohol may also decrease the effects of the psychedelic.