According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, many people will try hallucinogens before they are out of college. If you are considering trying hallucinogens you should at least know how to keep yourself safe and where to turn to when something goes wrong.

1. Be Mindful of What you are Taking

Make sure you know both the short and long term effects of the hallucinogens that you are considering taking. By making an informed decision, you can mitigate any unforeseen issues. Many times once you know the side effects of the drug you are taking you change your mind about taking it.

2. Watch what Someone you don’t Know Gives you to Eat or Drink

If you are at a club or a bar, you need to watch what people give you to eat or drink. These days it is very easy for someone to slip you a drug if you are not careful. Many of the hallucinogen and dissociative class of drugs are also date rape drugs.

3. Do not Take any Drug from a Source you Do Not Trust

Make sure to be around friends that you trust if you choose to take hallucinogens.

If you do decide to take a drug, make sure that the drug you are going to take is as pure as it should be. Many dealers will sell drugs with dangerous impurities. If you are going to take a drug, know the source.

4. Seek Medical Attention if you Start to Hallucinate or Feel Strange

If you start to feel strange or anxious while you are on a drug, seek medical attention. This could be a sign of a bad reaction to the drug. Most hospitals and drug treatment facilities are available 24 hours a day.

5. Make sure your Friends know Where you Are

If you are with friends you need to make sure they know where you are. A sober friend can help protect you or get you medical attention when you need it.

6. Make sure Someone knows What you Took

It is also important that someone sober knows what you took in case they have to inform medical personnel of your condition. In an emergency knowing what you are on will help those that are trying to help you.

7. Do Not Take Hallucinogens in Strange Situations

Never take a hallucinogen when you do not know the exact situation. Many uncomfortable situations can cause you to have a bad experience if you are unsure or anxious about where you are or what you are doing.

8. Keep a Reminder that you Took Something

Some people recommend that you keep a reminder that what you are experiencing is an effect of the drug. Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the hallucinations, which can cause issues.

9. Stay Around People who Will Not Hurt You or Take Advantage of You

Make sure that you are with your friends rather than strangers. It is best if you are going to take drugs to take drugs with those that you trust. When you take a hallucinogen, you are in a highly suggestible state. Some people might take advantage of that state.

How Can I Avoid a Bad Trip?

10. Get Help When You Feel You Need It

If you need help or start to feel ill, anxious, or cannot handle the drug, seek help immediately. Hallucinogens can cause serious side effects and mental complications. For immediate help call 911. For help with an addiction to hallucinogens or if you are in trouble with other drugs call us at 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) .