Difficult psychedelic experiences can be among the most frightening and disturbing experiences we have. They are also, however, potentially among the most valuable. Difficult psychedelic experiences can be the result of external factors, such as a chaotic environment or traumatic events, or the result of painful or troubling emotions which arise during the experience. By working with these emotions, rather than trying to "talk someone down," one can make a difficult psychedelic experience an opportunity for personal growth.

• "WORKING WITH DIFFICULT PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCES"
  An educational video produced by MAPS, WWPE It is a practical introduction to the principles of psychedelic therapy. This 20-minute educational video teaches psychedelic drug users how to minimize psychological risks and explore the therapeutic applications of psychedelics. Narrated by Donna Dryer, M.D., the video demonstrates examples of when and how to help a friend, peer, or loved one make the most out of a difficult experience with psychedelics.
  
  
• "HOW TO TREAT DIFFICULT PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCES: A MANUAL"
  Written by a psychedelic therapist for the use of lay volunteers helping those undergoing difficult psychedelic experiences.
  
  
• THE SECRET CHIEF BY MYRON STOLAROFF.
  The full online text of this account of a pioneering underground psychedelic therapist. The book covers methods, problems, and individual cases in psychedelic therapy, describing how difficult experiences can be used beneficially.
  
  
• A MODEL FOR WORKING WITH PSYCHEDELIC CRISES AT CONCERTS AND EVENTS
  MAPS bulletin article on our "Serenity Tent" at the Hookahville music festival, at which we worked alongside a medical team to help concertgoers work through difficult experiences.
  
  
• MAPS AT THE BOOM FESTIVAL
  A MAPS Bulletin article about providing psychedelic emergency services at the Boom Festival in Portugal.
  
  
• KosmiCare: Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Psychedelic Experiences at BOOM Festival
  By Svea Nielsen, M.A. & Constance Bettencourt, M.A.
  
  
• Energy Control: Harm Reduction with Drug Analysis at BOOM Festival
  By Mireia Ventura Vilamala, Ph.D.
  
  
• MAPS AT BURNING MAN
  Two MAPS Bulletin articles about providing psychedelic emergency services at Burning Man.
  
  
• PURCHASE LSD PSYCHOTHERAPY
  Dr. Stan Grof's comprehensive text, on decades of work with LSD-assisted psychotherapy.
  
  
• HANDBOOK FOR THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE-25: INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PROCEDURES.
  This document, written by D.B. Blewett, Ph.D and N. Chwelos, M.D in 1959, was one of the earliest manuals written for LSD-assisted therapy. It is still one of the most comprehensive written guides on psychedelic therapy, offering a wealth of details on dosage, setting, every stage of the LSD experience, and common issues that may arise.

• "CRISIS INTERVENTION IN SITUATIONS RELATED TO UNSUPERVISED USE OF PSYCHEDELICS."
  Written by Stan Grof, the author of LSD Psychotherapy, this article offers an experienced psychedelic therapist's perspective on working with difficult psychedelic experiences.
  
  
• THE EROWID "PSYCHEDELIC CRISIS FAQ."
  This document offers lots of concrete suggestions for helping someone undergoing a difficult psychedelic experience. It also helps in determining whether a person's condition is critical, and requires medical intervention, or if it should be treated as a medically stable psychedelic crisis.
  
  
• THE SPIRITUAL EMERGENCE NETWORK
  SEN offers support, including a hotline and therapist referrals, for those undergoing spiritual emergencies. From Erowid: "Generally considered to be psychedelic-aware, meaning that SEN therapists will react compassionately and non-judgementally when an individual seeks help after a difficult or traumatic experience precipitated by a psychedelic or strong psychoactive."
  
  
• GROF TRANSPERSONAL TRAINING.
  For information on Holotropic Breathwork, a technique to alter consciousness through breathing. The site offers info on workshops, lectures, training, and books.