1 00:00:49,300 --> 00:00:56,260 WORKING WITH DIFFICULT PSYCHODELIC EXPERIENCES 2 00:00:56,970 --> 00:00:59,080 Hi, my name is Donna Dryer. 3 00:00:59,520 --> 00:01:06,320 I am a psychiatrist trained at Harvard Medical School who has devoted myself to understanding a widely used, 4 00:01:06,320 --> 00:01:11,070 yet poorly understood, class of psychoactive drugs -- psychedelics. 5 00:01:12,390 --> 00:01:19,100 At some point in your lifetime, you might encounter a friend, acquaintance or family member 6 00:01:19,200 --> 00:01:21,750 who decides to try a psychedelic drug. 7 00:01:22,160 --> 00:01:28,650 In the vast majority of cases, there will be no physical or psychiatric emergency. 8 00:01:29,220 --> 00:01:36,010 But, if someone was experiencing profoundly difficult emotions and needed your help and support, 9 00:01:36,170 --> 00:01:38,160 would you know how to lend a hand? 10 00:01:40,420 --> 00:01:46,590 This video is intended as an educational tool to provide some basic information 11 00:01:46,710 --> 00:01:52,170 about how to help someone who is having a difficult psychedelic experience. 12 00:01:53,710 --> 00:02:01,960 We do not advocate the use of psychedelics outside of legal contexts, such as religious or therapeutic settings, 13 00:02:02,140 --> 00:02:08,110 but we recognize that such use does occur and that it is wisest to educate young people 14 00:02:08,110 --> 00:02:11,750 to reduce the harm that such use can cause. 15 00:02:12,760 --> 00:02:19,110 We hope that this video provides a springboard for you and your class to discuss the uses and risks 16 00:02:19,110 --> 00:02:24,330 of psychedelic drugs with your facilitators and with your parents. 17 00:02:26,400 --> 00:02:33,760 Psychedelic drugs include LSD, or "acid", mushrooms that contain psilocybin, 18 00:02:34,140 --> 00:02:39,970 peyote which contains mescaline, and ayahuasca which contains DMT. 19 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:48,180 Psychedelic drugs have a long history of use for religious and therapeutic purposes in many places of the world. 20 00:02:49,520 --> 00:02:55,400 Since 1960s, psychedelics have been used as a "party drugs", recreational drugs, 21 00:02:55,400 --> 00:03:00,360 and often are used under unsupervised and dangerous circumstances. 22 00:03:01,020 --> 00:03:09,660 However, it is important to remember there has never been a fatal overdose of pure LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, 23 00:03:09,660 --> 00:03:12,780 peyote, mescaline, or ayahuasca, 24 00:03:13,020 --> 00:03:18,340 although any individual can have a negative physical reaction to any psychedelic drug, 25 00:03:18,560 --> 00:03:22,910 especially if the person has taken other medications or drugs. 26 00:03:24,350 --> 00:03:31,020 The effects of psychedelics vary tremendously and are extremely difficult to categorize, 27 00:03:31,100 --> 00:03:36,000 since they can provide access to vastly different states of consciousness. 28 00:03:36,460 --> 00:03:43,360 They affect different people, in different places, and at different times, with incredible variation. 29 00:03:44,210 --> 00:03:48,380 Yet the effects of psychedelics are not completely arbitrary, either. 30 00:03:48,920 --> 00:03:57,280 Psychedelics often reveal conscious awareness of subconscious material 31 00:03:57,660 --> 00:04:05,470 This can include repressed memories, feelings about various current life circumstances, fantasies, 32 00:04:05,470 --> 00:04:07,870 deep fears, and so forth. 33 00:04:09,050 --> 00:04:16,350 Furthermore, these thoughts, feelings, and images are usually magnified and sometimes distorted 34 00:04:16,350 --> 00:04:22,780 into disturbing visualizations and bodily sensations, or bizarre thought loops. 35 00:04:24,180 --> 00:04:30,690 Thus, if someone makes the decision to use a psychedelic, it is important for that person to be prepared 36 00:04:30,690 --> 00:04:37,790 to deal with unusual, and perhaps uncomfortable or challenging thoughts, images, and feelings 37 00:04:37,790 --> 00:04:39,990 in an open and thoughtful manner. 38 00:04:41,630 --> 00:04:47,580 As a helper, it is important to stay calm and to foster an environment where the person 39 00:04:47,580 --> 00:04:50,620 who has ingested the psychedelic substance 40 00:04:50,620 --> 00:04:55,910 feels safe to relax into his or her emotions and experiences, 41 00:04:55,910 --> 00:04:58,830 instead of fighting against them. 42 00:04:59,720 --> 00:05:07,810 Each psychedelic experience is strongly influenced by two key factors: Set and Setting 43 00:05:08,060 --> 00:05:15,710 Set is the internal mental environment of the person who has ingested the psychedelic substance. 44 00:05:16,150 --> 00:05:19,490 Setting is the external environment. 45 00:05:20,670 --> 00:05:26,170 If someone uses a psychedelic in a chaotic or potentially threatening environment, 46 00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:31,760 that person is more likely to have a chaotic and threatening experience. 47 00:05:32,890 --> 00:05:37,450 Likewise, if a psychedelic is used in a safe, supportive environment, 48 00:05:37,650 --> 00:05:46,480 it will be easier for the person to allow his or her experience to develop in a coherent and potentially meaningful manner, 49 00:05:46,820 --> 00:05:51,580 though some parts may still be overwhelming or psychologically jarring. 50 00:05:53,350 --> 00:05:59,280 In the upcoming scene, we will watch a young man who is having difficult experience 51 00:05:59,280 --> 00:06:04,390 while under the influence of a psychedelic drug, and demonstrate some general principles 52 00:06:04,390 --> 00:06:08,650 on when and how emotional support could best be given. 53 00:07:37,290 --> 00:07:41,130 Yes, there are several people I haven't seen for a while 54 00:07:41,480 --> 00:07:45,090 Whoa, look at Jason over there. He's looking a little out-of-sorts. 55 00:07:45,570 --> 00:07:49,610 Oh, yeah, I know Jason -- he used to be my math tutor in high school. 56 00:07:50,270 --> 00:07:52,550 Do you have any idea what's up with him right now? 57 00:07:52,680 --> 00:07:57,860 Well, actually, Donald told me that they each took two hits of acid a few hours ago, 58 00:07:57,860 --> 00:08:03,120 but Donald went out for a walk and now Jasons here by himself. 59 00:08:03,170 --> 00:08:07,130 That was pretty rude of him to leave Jason here tripping all by himself. 60 00:08:09,570 --> 00:08:14,800 What Jason is experiencing is not just limited to what he is seeing and hearing 61 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:17,930 it is reaching the deepest levels of his mind. 62 00:08:18,590 --> 00:08:26,990 Things usually taken for granted  like time, self-identity, or any other aspect of reality, 63 00:08:27,140 --> 00:08:31,130 can be as unusual as what he is seeing and hearing. 64 00:08:32,530 --> 00:08:35,200 Oh, man. It looks like he's tripping out. 65 00:08:35,530 --> 00:08:38,170 Yeah, he looks like he might be having a difficult time. 66 00:08:39,160 --> 00:08:43,200 I'll go talk to him, to see if he would like any company or help. 67 00:08:43,980 --> 00:08:48,420 In the meantime, can you get my sketchbook, 68 00:08:48,420 --> 00:08:50,290 a blanket and a couple glasses of water, 69 00:08:50,290 --> 00:08:51,910 and put them in the den? 70 00:08:51,910 --> 00:08:52,540 Ok 71 00:08:58,050 --> 00:09:01,040 Even though most psychedelic difficulties 72 00:09:01,040 --> 00:09:03,820 are psychological, not physical, 73 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:06,590 if someone has taken a psychedelic drug 74 00:09:06,590 --> 00:09:09,260 and is having a difficult experience, 75 00:09:09,360 --> 00:09:11,650 a helper should first assess: 76 00:09:11,650 --> 00:09:16,040 Is the person concerned about his or her physical safety? 77 00:09:16,290 --> 00:09:21,210 If there is any doubt about physical safety, a helper should call 911. 78 00:09:21,340 --> 00:09:25,300 If not, try to find out some basic information: 79 00:09:26,800 --> 00:09:30,510 What drug does the person think he or she took? 80 00:09:32,900 --> 00:09:36,860 How much of the drug does the person think he or she took? 81 00:09:39,170 --> 00:09:43,360 How long ago does the person think he or she took the drug? 82 00:09:45,520 --> 00:09:50,500 Is the person on any other medications or drugs, including alcohol? 83 00:09:51,030 --> 00:09:56,190 For further background information about drugs and/or drug combinations 84 00:09:56,190 --> 00:10:03,400 the web site www.erowid.org has potentially useful information. 85 00:10:07,540 --> 00:10:14,040 Hey, what's up Jason, how it going? It's Carol... Remember me? 86 00:10:15,540 --> 00:10:16,930 How are you feeling? 87 00:10:19,880 --> 00:10:22,850 I feel... I feel like Im going insane now. 88 00:10:22,850 --> 00:10:27,220 I need to get out of here... 89 00:10:27,450 --> 00:10:31,890 I'm sorry it's, uh, hard for me to talk now. 90 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:35,980 Thats fine.  Do you feel physically okay? 91 00:10:35,980 --> 00:10:37,980 Yeah, physically i feel fine; 92 00:10:37,980 --> 00:10:40,330 but the rest of me feels lik e it's being 93 00:10:40,330 --> 00:10:44,030 sucked into some sort a vortex. 94 00:10:45,230 --> 00:10:47,060 Are you tripping right now? 95 00:10:47,440 --> 00:10:51,650 Yeah, sure am.  Im tripping my face off. 96 00:10:52,260 --> 00:10:53,480 Do you know what you took? 97 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:58,030 Two hits of LSD. 98 00:10:58,940 --> 00:11:01,760 Do you know how long ago you took it? 99 00:11:05,370 --> 00:11:09,760 Uh.. just... ...before, just before I came to this party. 100 00:11:09,760 --> 00:11:12,170 Whenever that was. 101 00:11:13,160 --> 00:11:16,290 Well, assume about two hours ago. 102 00:11:16,290 --> 00:11:21,020 So youre probably going to be tripping for another six hours. 103 00:11:23,220 --> 00:11:29,420 Just so I know -- are you on any other medications, or alcohol, or any other drugs? 104 00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:30,310 No. 105 00:11:30,410 --> 00:11:31,780 Thats good. 106 00:11:32,340 --> 00:11:41,460 Im feeling really overwhelmed by this whole situation all the people and noise are making me feel claustrophobic. 107 00:11:41,990 --> 00:11:45,520 Wow, it sounds like youre having an intense trip. 108 00:11:45,900 --> 00:11:47,700 Would you like some help? 109 00:11:52,270 --> 00:11:56,240 Wanna tell me more about what youre experiencing? 110 00:11:56,460 --> 00:12:00,470 Its so hard to explain. I feel like 111 00:12:01,600 --> 00:12:06,070 The room, the people, it's overwhelming, 112 00:12:07,510 --> 00:12:12,060 I feel like everyone's watching me, and everyone knows Im going crazy. 113 00:12:12,060 --> 00:12:14,700 I don't know what to do. 114 00:12:15,060 --> 00:12:18,000 I've heard those are common feelings when someones tripping. 115 00:12:18,000 --> 00:12:19,070 Yeah? 116 00:12:19,120 --> 00:12:22,390 Actually, Ive heard that it's important for 117 00:12:22,390 --> 00:12:26,270 a person on psychedelics to explore their feelings, 118 00:12:26,270 --> 00:12:28,370 even if they are difficult. 119 00:12:29,100 --> 00:12:34,970 If you like, Roger and I can sit with you until you're ready to go home. 120 00:12:35,880 --> 00:12:38,750 We're you're friends, you can feel safe here. 121 00:12:38,750 --> 00:12:41,010 Wow, thanks. 122 00:12:43,020 --> 00:12:46,340 What should we do? 123 00:12:47,310 --> 00:12:52,540 I have an idea. I bet youd feel more comfortable if we went to a quieter 124 00:12:52,540 --> 00:12:58,050 where you could relax and explore your experiences 125 00:13:03,640 --> 00:13:05,030 Come with me. 126 00:13:28,400 --> 00:13:33,910 Someone with the opportunity to help someone having a difficult psychedelic experience 127 00:13:33,990 --> 00:13:37,010 should keep a few basic principles in mind. 128 00:13:37,370 --> 00:13:44,990 If the person is not reporting physical danger, the first thing to do is to Create a safe space. 129 00:13:45,520 --> 00:13:54,560 A safe space can be created anywhere, but it is best to find a place that is quiet, warm, and comfortable. 130 00:13:57,480 --> 00:14:02,080 What are those people laughing at? Theyre laughing at me, aren't they? 131 00:14:02,990 --> 00:14:07,410 Remember, theres a party going on outside of this room. Its normal for people to laugh at parties. 132 00:14:07,410 --> 00:14:09,720 I just know theyre laughing at me! 133 00:14:10,690 --> 00:14:12,640 What makes you think that theyre laughing at you? 134 00:14:12,640 --> 00:14:14,900 People always like to make fun of me. 135 00:14:16,530 --> 00:14:19,630 I used to get made fun of a lot when I was younger. 136 00:14:20,490 --> 00:14:25,470 Yeah, I remember that from high school. People were really mean to you, werent they? 137 00:14:25,600 --> 00:14:29,070 Yeah, it hurt a lot sometimes. 138 00:14:29,180 --> 00:14:31,220 I always tried to laugh it off 139 00:14:31,220 --> 00:14:36,440 and pretend that it didn't bother me, but, its really weird, 140 00:14:36,590 --> 00:14:40,200 I feel the same way again, just stronger. 141 00:14:40,910 --> 00:14:44,900 It sounds like you've been holding on to this for a long time. 142 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:47,860 Yeah, you're right, 143 00:14:47,860 --> 00:14:50,780 I've been carrying this with me for a long time. 144 00:14:53,230 --> 00:14:56,680 People can be really mean and inconsiderate, and they don't even realize it. 145 00:14:56,680 --> 00:15:01,100 Even if I dont admit it to myself, it still really effects me. 146 00:15:01,100 --> 00:15:02,650 Yeah. 147 00:15:04,550 --> 00:15:08,590 What am I supposed to do about it now? 148 00:15:08,870 --> 00:15:16,030 I dont know.  Just the fact that you're talking about and confronting all these feelings and memories is awesome. 149 00:15:16,130 --> 00:15:21,980 Thanks for listening to me.  Just being able to talk to someone about this stuff makes me feel better. 150 00:15:22,130 --> 00:15:26,930 A good phrase to remember is Sitting, not guiding. 151 00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:33,480 Sit with the person, but do not lead the person away from his or her experience. 152 00:15:33,810 --> 00:15:41,630 Let your presence communicate safety and caring, and allow the content of the person's experience 153 00:15:41,630 --> 00:15:45,900 to guide any questions you ask or comments you make. 154 00:15:46,230 --> 00:15:50,640 If the person is in distress, you may be able to help him or her 155 00:15:50,640 --> 00:15:54,990 to explore whatever experiences or issues are being encountered 156 00:15:55,650 --> 00:16:00,810 Staying calm will make it easier to create a trusting environment. 157 00:16:01,160 --> 00:16:08,530 This means that you can be helpful just by sitting with someone, with a supportive and friendly presence. 158 00:16:09,040 --> 00:16:11,400 What's happening when you close your eyes? 159 00:16:13,350 --> 00:16:21,890 Im seeing all these strange shapes and colors swirling into a vortex, but its not like Im seeing it, 160 00:16:21,890 --> 00:16:25,240 its like Im a part of it. 161 00:16:25,750 --> 00:16:30,280 I cant control it.  I cant relax, I dont know how. I cant, I dont know how... 162 00:16:30,280 --> 00:16:32,460 I don't know how... I cant control it. 163 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:35,330 I feel like Im getting sucked in. 164 00:16:35,650 --> 00:16:38,570 All right, well just go with that. Were in a safe place now 165 00:16:38,570 --> 00:16:42,360 It feels like my brain is just caving in, that's all... I don't know what to do! 166 00:16:42,560 --> 00:16:44,620 What are you scared would happen? 167 00:16:44,620 --> 00:16:45,960 I don't know! 168 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:49,950 Well, actually I do.... Id die, or I'd go crazy! 169 00:16:49,950 --> 00:16:52,590 Wow, thats intense. 170 00:16:52,590 --> 00:16:56,600 Since youre going to be tripping for a few more hours, 171 00:16:56,600 --> 00:17:03,690 maybe you could take this opportunity to explore whats happening to you. 172 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:08,740 Don't fight your experience. Trust that it might be happening for an important reason. 173 00:17:08,740 --> 00:17:13,040 Yeah, I know its happening for an important reason! 174 00:17:13,040 --> 00:17:18,090 ...I feel like I can see all my hidden fears, all at once. 175 00:17:25,350 --> 00:17:27,230 Thats a good idea. 176 00:17:27,690 --> 00:17:34,040 Sometimes, when I'm feeling overwhelmed, it helps me to take some deep breaths. 177 00:17:41,330 --> 00:17:44,480 Difficult is not necessarily "bad" 178 00:17:44,660 --> 00:17:52,780 It is important to allow someone on psychedelics to explore all emotions, not just happy or fun ones. 179 00:17:52,930 --> 00:18:01,720 Experiences with longer-lasting negative consequences are more likely to occur when a person resists confronting 180 00:18:01,800 --> 00:18:06,060 his or her difficult emotions and tries to escape from them. 181 00:18:09,720 --> 00:18:10,860 Wow, 182 00:18:12,460 --> 00:18:14,400 that was incredible.. 183 00:18:15,870 --> 00:18:17,770 that was incredible; 184 00:18:19,600 --> 00:18:23,890 painful but with moments of peace and clarity. 185 00:18:26,410 --> 00:18:29,100 ******* I feel a lot better now that 186 00:18:29,250 --> 00:18:34,760 ******* Im not trying so hard to control everything, 187 00:18:38,290 --> 00:18:41,390 Talk through, don't talk down. 188 00:18:41,540 --> 00:18:45,020 That is, help the person talk through whats happening, 189 00:18:45,130 --> 00:18:50,970 rather than trying to find some magic words to bring the person down from the experience. 190 00:18:51,500 --> 00:18:58,510 Many experts believe that it is best to give the person the space to work through his or her problems, 191 00:18:58,640 --> 00:19:03,640 rather than a common practice of trying to distract the person from them. 192 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:08,670 Try to help the person connect with what he or she is feeling 193 00:19:08,740 --> 00:19:14,480 and facilitate them in their own journey by promoting trust and security. 194 00:19:18,780 --> 00:19:24,950 In this video, we hope to have demonstrated some general principles about how to help someone 195 00:19:24,950 --> 00:19:28,070 who is having a difficult psychedelic experience. 196 00:19:29,090 --> 00:19:33,230 Many adults, especially younger ones, take psychedelic substances for a variety of reasons, 197 00:19:33,230 --> 00:19:37,980 so you may encounter someone who is under the influence of a psychedelic at some point. 198 00:19:38,640 --> 00:19:41,630 In some cases, no help will be needed. 199 00:19:41,960 --> 00:19:45,870 If the person is in physical danger, call 911. 200 00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:51,640 However, if someone is not in physical danger, and someone decides to assist a person 201 00:19:51,690 --> 00:19:57,600 who is undergoing a difficult experience, it is important to remember to provide 202 00:19:57,600 --> 00:20:02,730 the space needed to work through any problems the person may be encountering, 203 00:20:02,760 --> 00:20:09,210 rather than trying to distract the person from his or her own inner experience. 204 00:20:10,360 --> 00:20:17,240 Remember that difficult experiences are not necessarily bad experiences, and that someone is more likely 205 00:20:17,240 --> 00:20:21,160 to have long-term psychological problems 206 00:20:21,160 --> 00:20:24,650 if that person resists uncomfortable emotions 207 00:20:24,650 --> 00:20:26,880 instead of acknowledging those emotions 208 00:20:26,880 --> 00:20:28,890 and working through them. 209 00:20:30,340 --> 00:20:37,130 Always remember to avoid making judgments and to stay open-minded, centered, and calm. 210 00:20:37,350 --> 00:20:44,740 It is also helpful to follow up with someone who has had a difficult psychedelic experience in the following days. 211 00:20:45,200 --> 00:20:47,750 A good friend or trusted theraupist 212 00:20:47,750 --> 00:20:52,110 can help a person to process any unresolved issues. 213 00:20:53,300 --> 00:20:55,130 Thanks for your attention. 214 00:20:55,130 --> 00:20:58,730 I hope that this short video has been helpful.