Set & Setting Checklist Preparation is the single highest-impact harm reduction practice after substance testing. Work through this checklist before a session. Nothing is stored or transmitted. This runs entirely in your browser.
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Critical items: 0 / 7 reset
substance knowledge 0/6 Know what you are taking and what to expect.
Substance has been identified critical
Reagent tested, lab tested, or from a known and trusted source. If you cannot verify identity, start with a much lower dose.
Dose range has been researched critical
Know the threshold, common, and strong doses for your specific route of administration.
Route of administration is chosen
Different ROAs have different onset times, durations, and risk profiles. The dose for one ROA may be dangerous via another.
Expected duration is known
Know onset time, peak window, and total duration. Clear your schedule for the full duration plus 2–3 hours buffer.
Interactions have been checked critical
Check against all other substances taken recently (including alcohol, caffeine, medications). See the interactions page.
Tolerance status is considered
Recent use of the same or cross-tolerant substances will affect response. If tolerance has reset, your previous dose may be too high.
mindset (set) 0/5 Your mental and emotional state going in significantly affects the experience.
Emotional state is stable
Not in a period of acute grief, anxiety, depression, or emotional crisis. Challenging emotions are amplified, not resolved, by most substances.
Intentions are clear (even if just recreational)
Knowing why you are doing this helps you make better decisions during the experience. There is no wrong intention — clarity is what matters.
Decision is unpressured
You are choosing freely, not because of social pressure, obligation, or fear of missing out. You can stop at any point.
No major obligations for the duration + recovery
No work, childcare, driving, or other responsibilities that require you to be sober and alert.
Adequate sleep in the past 24 hours
Sleep deprivation increases adverse effects for most substance classes, especially psychedelics and stimulants.
environment (setting) 0/6 Physical and social context. A safe, comfortable environment prevents most difficult experiences.
Location is physically safe
No access to traffic, heights, water, or other hazards while impaired. Doors are locked if needed.
Temperature is comfortable and adjustable
Body temperature regulation is affected by many substances. Have blankets and fans/ventilation available.
Lighting is adjustable
Harsh fluorescent lighting worsens many experiences. Soft, adjustable lighting is ideal. Have a dim option available.
Everyone present is trusted
Social anxiety during altered states can escalate rapidly. Only be around people you feel genuinely safe with.
You can leave or change environment
Having the option to go to a different room, go outside, or leave entirely is important for psychological safety.
Music or audio is prepared
Music significantly shapes the experience. Prepare a playlist in advance. Calm, instrumental music during peaks. Avoid dark or aggressive themes.
safety supplies 0/6 Physical preparation. Having supplies ready before the experience starts.
Water and electrolytes are available
Stay hydrated but don’t over-hydrate, especially with MDMA. Electrolyte drinks are better than plain water for stimulant use.
Light food is available
Fruit, crackers, or other light snacks. Many substances suppress appetite during the experience but you may need nutrition after.
Phone is charged
For contacting emergency services if needed. Know your address.
Trip-abort option is available (if applicable)
For psychedelics: a benzodiazepine can reliably reduce intensity. Discuss this option with your sitter before the session.
Dose is accurately weighed or measured critical
Use a milligram scale (0.001g) or volumetric dosing. Never eyeball. The difference between a common and dangerous dose can be invisible.
Naloxone is available (if opioid-related) critical
Available without prescription in most US states. Anyone present should know how to use it.
sitter & social 0/4 For higher doses or unfamiliar substances, a sober sitter is strongly recommended.
Sitter is present (for high doses / new substances)
A sober or near-sober person who has read the trip sitting guide. Not required for low-dose familiar experiences, but recommended for anything new.
Sitter knows substance, dose, and expected timeline
They should know what you took, how much, when you took it, and what the expected timeline looks like. Consider printing an emergency information card.
Emergency contact information is accessible
Your phone unlocked or a written note with emergency contacts, your address, and any relevant medical information.
Communication signals are agreed upon
How will you indicate if you need help, want to be left alone, or want to end the experience? Agree on this before onset.
medical considerations 0/3 Health conditions and medications that affect safety.
Current medications have been checked for interactions critical
SSRIs, MAOIs, lithium, tramadol, blood pressure medications, and many others interact with recreational substances. Check every medication.
Health conditions have been considered
Heart conditions + stimulants = high risk. Liver conditions + hepatotoxic substances = high risk. Seizure history + seizure-threshold-lowering substances = high risk. Mental health conditions + psychedelics = variable risk.
Not pregnant or breastfeeding critical
Most psychoactive substances pose risks to fetal development and can be transmitted through breast milk.
aftercare planning 0/3 Plan for after the experience before it begins.
Recovery time is scheduled
Most substances benefit from at least one full day of rest afterward. Stimulants and MDMA may require 2–3 days.
Journal is ready
Writing down the experience while fresh helps with integration and serves as a personal reference for future decisions.
Post-experience support is available
Someone you can talk to about the experience afterward. A therapist, trusted friend, or integration circle.