People who use psychedelics prefer trip sitters—caregivers who monitor them during a session—to have personal experience with psychedelics or other non-ordinary states of consciousness, knowledge of health and medical fields, and familiarity with psychedelic literature. Forum discussions on The Shroomery and DMT Nexus also reveal a demand for remote trip sitting, where consumers communicate plans online to a sitter who is not physically present, balancing privacy with care. These preferences likely stem from stigma and the value of empathy; trip sitters with lived experience can relate to the effects and help consumers avoid judgment. The findings suggest that harm reduction services should be delivered by peers and should explore remote care options.
Childhood trauma severity and substance use each independently predict higher levels of depersonalization, but substance use does not amplify the link between childhood trauma and depersonalization. In a sample of 297 participants (80.2% active users), neither the quantity nor the one-year prevalence of substance use moderated the relationship. The findings suggest that the quality and context of substance experiences, rather than sheer quantity, may be more relevant to the development of depersonalization symptoms.
Psychedelic consumers prefer interpersonal interactions during their experiences that are nonintrusive, involve boundary setting, offer help, and include a sober sitter or coconsumer. These preferences align with clinical guidelines for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in areas such as carer acceptance, minimal involvement, nondirection, hazard management, and emotional stability. However, consumers also desire agency, the option to consume psychedelics alongside other consumers, and carers who have personal experience with psychedelics—preferences that diverge from existing guidelines. The findings suggest clinical implications for developing future therapeutic frameworks.