The study "Abnormal visual experiences in individuals with histories of hallucinogen use: a Web-based questionnaire" by Baggott et al. (2011) explores the prevalence and nature of unusual visual phenomena experienced by individuals who have used hallucinogens. Utilizing an online questionnaire, the research aimed to document symptoms and their relationship to drug use among hallucinogen users. The study attracted significant attention, with 16,192 individuals initially engaging with the information sheet, and 2,679 ultimately included in the analysis. After excluding 224 respondents with unrelated diagnoses that could influence visual experiences, the focus narrowed to 2,455 participants. A notable finding is that a majority (60.6%) of these participants reported experiencing visual phenomena in the absence of drug use, reminiscent of the effects of hallucinogens. These experiences were not only common but also correlated with the extent of exposure to specific hallucinogens, notably lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Interestingly, while these visual changes were prevalent, few participants (approximately 4.2% of the sample) found them distressing or impairing enough to seek treatment.This study sheds light on Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) and similar visual abnormalities in hallucinogen users, suggesting that such experiences may be more widespread than previously thought. The findings have significant implications for psychedelic harm reduction and public safety. Firstly, they underscore the importance of educating potential hallucinogen users about the possibility of enduring visual changes, even in the absence of continued drug use. Understanding the risk of persistent visual phenomena could inform decisions around the use of these substances.Moreover, the fact that a small fraction of individuals found these experiences distressing enough to consider seeking help highlights a need for accessible support and treatment options. This could include counseling and medical interventions tailored to individuals experiencing distressing HPPD symptoms.For harm reduction advocates and organizations, these insights emphasize the need for comprehensive educational campaigns that not only address the immediate effects of hallucinogens but also the potential long-term sensory alterations. Such efforts should aim to equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed choices about their drug use and to seek support if needed.In conclusion, the study by Baggott et al. contributes valuable knowledge to our understanding of the long-term impact of hallucinogen use on visual perception. It underscores the need for a balanced approach to psychedelic education, one that acknowledges both the transformative potential of these substances and the risks of persistent perceptual changes. As interest in both the therapeutic and recreational use of hallucinogens grows, so too does the importance of grounding public discourse in a nuanced understanding of their effects, guided by empirical research and harm reduction principles (Baggott et al., 2011).