SET AND SETTING

'Set and setting' describes the context for psychoactive and particularly psychedelic drug experiences: one's mindset and the setting in which the user has the experience. This is especially relevant for psychedelic or hallucinogenic experiences; the term was coined by Timothy Leary.

Contents

The Basics

See also

Notes

References

Further reading

The Basics

The set is the mental state a person brings to the experience, like thoughts, mood or expectations. The setting refers to the physical or social environment. Social support networks have shown to be particularly important in the outcome of the psychedelic experience . They are able to control or guide the course of the experience, both consciously and subconsciously. Stress, fear or a disagreeable environment, may result in an unpleasant experience (bad trip). Conversely, a relaxed, curious person in a warm, comfortable and safe place is more likely to have a pleasant experience.
(from: ''The Psychedelic Experience'')
Set and setting has also been investigated from a religious perspective .

See also

★ Bad trip

★ Trip sitter

★ Psychedelic psychotherapy

★ Psychonaut

★ Recreational drug use

★ Psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants

★ Responsible drug use

★ Hard and soft drugs

★ Altered state of consciousness

★ Sensory deprivation

★ Out-of-body experience

★ Overdose

Notes

# Shewan, D., Dalgarno, P. and Reith, G. (2000) "Perceived risk and risk reduction among ecstasy users: the role of drug, set, and setting" in ''International Journal of Drug Policy'', Vol. 10, pp. 431–453
# Rosegrant, J. (1976) "The Impact of Set and Setting on Religious Experience in Nature" in ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion'', Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 301-310

References

# Leary, T., Metzner, R. and Alpert, R. (1969) ''The Psychedelic Expereince: A Manual Based on the. Tibetan Book of the Dead'' (London: Academic Press)

Further reading

# Zinberg, N. E. (1984) ''Drug, Set, and Setting'' (New Haven: Yale University Press) ISBN 0-300-03110-6