Module 5
Psychedelic Harm Reduction
Module Description
The use of psychedelic medicines, as with any medicine, does not come without its potential for harm. Psychedelic medicines are unique in that they generally have a low risk of lethality, unlike many other substances like the ones we find at our local pharmacy. Since psychedelics increase neuroplasticity, clients are in highly suggestible and vulnerable conditions under their acute effects. Ethical practice is crucial to this work as we’ll discuss in this module.
Module Description
The use of psychedelic medicines, as with any medicine, does not come without its potential for harm. Psychedelic medicines are unique in that they generally have a low risk of lethality, unlike many other substances like the ones we find at our local pharmacy. Since psychedelics increase neuroplasticity, clients are in highly suggestible and vulnerable conditions under their acute effects. Ethical practice is crucial to this work as we’ll discuss in this module.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Describe the potential for risk of using psychedelic medicines inside and outside of a clinical setting.
- Explain set and setting within the context of psychedelic medicines.
- Discuss the stigma around psychedelics and its impact on marginalized communities.
- List strategies for harm reduction in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
- Discuss important safety measures for psychedelic-assisted therapy.