Set and Setting in Microdosing Psilocybin

In the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy, where microdosing psilocybin is gaining scientific and anecdotal traction, one cannot overlook the foundational concept of “set and setting.” Set and setting, first highlighted by Timothy Leary in the 1960s, emphasizes the importance of the user’s mindset (set) and the physical and social environment (setting) in shaping the psychedelic experience. Here, we delve into how these elements can profoundly influence the efficacy and safety of microdosing psilocybin.

Table of contents:

• Can Psychedelics Help with Depression and Anxiety?
  • Microdosing Benefits
  • Psychedelics for Anxiety and Depression
• Understanding Set and Setting
• The Impact of Environment
• Mindset Matters
• Preparation for Microdosing
• Creating a Therapeutic Setting
• Practical Tips for Optimal Experiences
• Safety Considerations
• References

Can microdosing Psilocybin Help with Depression and Anxiety?

While microdosing does not produce the dramatic perceptual shifts associated with higher doses, they do tweak the brain’s neurotransmitter systems significantly, enhancing mood, reducing anxiety, and fostering a sense of well-being through very minimal, almost imperceptible changes in consciousness.

NB: In my experience and recommendation microdosing is best paired with lifestyle changes around diet and sleep. Psilocybin mushrooms are effective but they can be drowned out and made less effective by poor diet and lack of sleep.

Microdosing Benefits

The allure of microdosing lies in its therapeutic benefits without the intensity of a full psychedelic trip. Microdosing psilocybin has a spectrum of benefits including:

• Mood Enhancement: There’s a consistent thread of mood upliftment, with individuals feeling less depressed or anxious.
• Increased Focus and Creativity: Many microdosers find psilocybin enhances focus, creativity, and even productivity, which replaces the mental state of anxiety with one of positivity and productivity even in creative and non-creative settings like artists and coders.
• Reduced Stress: Observational data from larger studies indicate that microdosing could lead to lower levels of stress, although these findings are often confounded by the placebo effect, given the open-label nature of much of this research.
• NB: It’s important to understand that research is guided and dictated by pharmaceutical companies and there is much bias in their studies as they have a vested interest in selling people alternatives to psychedelic mushrooms ie SSRI’s and other pharmaceuticals. For this reason I take scientific studies on this topic with a grain of salt. Not that the scientific process in theory is incorrect but that particular study results can be made to look ineffective by introducing bias and poor study design into them deliberately.

Psychedelics for Anxiety and Depression

When we zoom out to consider psychedelics beyond microdosing, their potential in treating anxiety and depression becomes even more pronounced. Research, particularly with psilocybin, suggests that psychedelics can catalyze profound psychological shifts, offering individuals a chance to confront and reframe their issues in a therapeutic setting. This isn’t just about symptom reduction but about changing one’s relationship with their mental health challenges.

When we pair psychedelics with the concepts of ‘set and setting’ we empower ourselves to make very significant changes. When we combine these two things with lifestyle changes ** as mentioned above we invite the ability to completely revamp our psychological environment and experience.

** In some sense lifestyle chnges could be considered a larger scale implementation of ‘set and setting’. While the later applies to a particular psychedelic ceremony or session the former takes similar concepts and applies them over a longer timeframe to reap the benefits of conscious practice on our entire lives. This is the topic with which I coach on.

Understanding Set and Setting

“Set” refers to the psychological state of the person taking the substance, including their mood, expectations, and personality. “Setting” encompasses the environment where the experience occurs, including the physical location, social context, and ambient conditions. Both are pivotal in microdosing, where the goal is often subtle enhancement of psychological functions rather than profound psychedelic experiences.

The Impact of Environment

The environment in which one microdoses can dictate the comfort and safety of the experience. A serene, controlled setting can reduce anxiety and promote a positive outcome. For instance, a quiet room with comfortable lighting and minimal distractions is ideal. Nature settings have also been noted to enhance the therapeutic effects, possibly due to the calming influence of natural surroundings.

Mindset Matters

Your mindset when microdosing can significantly affect your experience. Coming into the session with positive intentions, an open mind, and perhaps even a specific therapeutic goal can lead to more beneficial outcomes. Negative emotions or unresolved issues might amplify, making the experience less therapeutic. Thus, preparation involves not just setting the physical stage but also mentally preparing oneself for the journey.

It’s often useful to pair microdosing with daily meditation, Yin Yoga, walks in nature and journaling can all help create a conducive environment to personal insight and a grounded environment around the microdose itself. Psychedelics alone are often not the answer but really they pair best with a healthy set of lifestyle changes.

Preparation for Microdosing

Preparation goes beyond the day of microdosing. It involves understanding Psilocybin as a substance, setting realistic expectations, and perhaps engaging in preparatory practices like meditation or journaling.

One should also consider the timing of the dose in relation to daily activities to ensure it complements rather than disrupts one’s routine. See dosing recommendations below.

Creating a Therapeutic Setting

For microdosing to serve as a therapeutic tool, the setting must be conducive to introspection and growth. Here are some specifics:

• Choose a Safe, Comfortable Space: Ensure the environment is secure and private where one can be introspective without interruptions.
• Nature: Often having a view of nature or some grass or a garden to be surrounded by is a fantastic way to both ground yourself and your experiences.
• Ambiance: Soft lighting, perhaps calming music, or silence can aid in focusing inward.
• Support Systems: Having a trusted friend or therapist nearby can provide emotional or psychological support if needed. Sometimes inner truths are revealed to us which can be emotional and upsetting and it’s useful to have a friend in touch to talk to.
• If you don’t have anyone to talk to you can come and chat in our community or seek some private coaching.

Practical Tips for Optimal Experiences

• Start Small: Begin with a low dose to assess personal sensitivity and response. A ‘normal’ microdose of Psilocybin would be 0.1-0.5 grams daily.
  • By starting small we can test our tolerance for Psilocybin. Some people are more sensitive to it than others and the same dose your friend uses may be too much for you personally. Most ‘bad trips’ are a result of too high a dosage so please be careful with this.
  • We are attempting to find a dose which is not hallucinogenic for us (ie too high a dose) and one which is able to boost our Neural Networks with the positive results we are looking for like,
    • gaining personal insights to help us heal or better deal with our lives
    • having more feelings of love and compassion being in a flow state etc etc
    • Your particular experiences will vary but these serve as examples.
• Journal Your Experience: Documenting thoughts and feelings can help track progress and insights.
• Consistency: Regularity in dosing might not be daily but following a pattern can be beneficial.
• Integrate: Reflect on experiences post-dosing to integrate any insights into daily life.

Safety Considerations

While microdosing is generally considered safer than full doses, it’s crucial not to overlook safety:

• Know the Law: Psilocybin is illegal in many places; ensure compliance with local laws.
• Medical Considerations: Consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re on medication or have a history of mental health issues.
  • Psilocybin DOES NOT mix safely with some medications like those used for depression and anxiety among others so please do your research and talk to your prescribing doctor before taking Psilocybin.
  • Here is a post on Ayahuasca and it’s unsafe interactions with pharmaceutical medications. It roughly applies to Psilocybin as well. This guide is not a replacement for seeing your doctor.
• Responsible Use: Avoid microdosing in high-risk environments like driving or operating heavy machinery.

References

• Leary, T., Metzner, R., & Alpert, R. (1964). The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Citadel Press.
• Fadiman, J. (2011). The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys. Park Street Press.
• Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Goodwin, G. M. (2017). The therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: past, present, and future. Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(11), 2105-2113.
• Pollan, M. (2018). How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Penguin Press.
• Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264-355.