Writer Aldous Huxley called psychedelics “heaven and hell” drugs. Without a guide, therapist, or friend, the “hell” part can g

A Call for Community Reflection on Psychedelics, Healing, and Race

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2021-06-09 19:00:06

Writer Aldous Huxley called psychedelics “heaven and hell” drugs. Without a guide, therapist, or friend, the “hell” part can get pretty hellish. Today, help is just a text or phone call away. Fireside Project, the world’s first psychedelic peer support line, launched April 14th, is dedicated to the idea that no one should have to feel alone with a psychedelic experience.

“If you’re tripping now, you can reach out to Fireside Project,” says Joshua White, co-founder and executive director. Call or text 6-2FIRESIDE, and volunteers will talk you through whatever weirdness or panic you’re feeling. They’ll say: you don’t have to be alone. We’re here.

In its first month, fireside project volunteers had more than 200 conversations. They deescalated 62 people from psychological distress, according to the trippers themselves, Fireside reported. Two dozen people said they would have experienced physical or emotional harm if not for Fireside’s help. And 16 people said they would have gone to the emergency room or called 911 if not for Fireside. Overall, 88% of people said they felt heard, supported, or understood.

The simple mission is to “help all people minimize the risks and fulfill the potential of their psychedelic experiences.”