LEARN & STAY INFORMED

Knowledge Creates Choice

CHOICE CAN SAVE LIVES

Kelly and Chance together, whose lived experience inspired Don’t Take Chances.

Access evidence-informed educational information, harm reduction resources, and tools to help you or someone you care about make informed, empowered decisions about mental health and well-being.

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

  • Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms.

    It has been used in spiritual and healing practices for thousands of years and is now being studied for its therapeutic potential.

  • Psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A, which influence mood, perception, thought patterns, and sense of self. It can create changes in consciousness and perception.

    • Enhanced mood

    • Increased empathy

    • Spiritual experiences

    • Changes in perception

    • Deep introspection

    • Anxiety or fear (especially with challenging experiences)

    • Paranoia or feeling unsafe

    • Hearing or seeing things others don’t

    • Disorganized thinking

    • Confusion about reality

    • Extreme fear or agitation

    • Withdrawal or unusual behaviour

HARM REDUCTION RESOURCES

  • Always have a trusted, sober person with you who can support you if things become difficult.

    Let someone you trust know where you are and when you’ll be returning.

  • Combining psychedelics with alcohol, stimulants, depressants, or certain medications can increase risks and lead to dangerous or unpredictable effects.

  • Start low, go slow. Potency can vary widely between mushrooms. More is not always better — it can increase the chance of harm.

  • If someone becomes confused, paranoid, or behaves in a way that puts themselves or others at risk, seek medical help immediately.

RESOURCES TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

  • QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE TAKING

    • Why am I choosing to use?

    • Am I in a good mental space right now?

    • Do I have a safe, comfortable environment?

    • Do I have a sober, trusted person with me?

    • Do I have time to integrate the experience?

  • WARNING SIGNS DURING OR AFTER

    • Intense paranoia or fear

    • Loss of touch with reality

    • Thoughts of harming yourselves or others

    • Inability to care for basic needs

    • Ongoing confusion or distress after the experience

      IF THESE SIGNS APPEAR, SEEK HELP RIGHT AWAY.

  • WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP

    • Someone is a danger to themselves or others

    • Severe confusion or disorientation

    • Chest pain, seizures, or medical distress

    • You are unsure and need professional guidance

  • SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES & LOVED ONES

    Seeing a loved on struggle can be scary and confusing. You are not alone. Educate yourself, reach out for support, and take care of your own well-being while supporting them. Compassion, patience, and connection can make a difference.