Difficulties after psychedelics
Psychedelic experiences can be transformative and profound. However, they can also be challenging to go through, and sometimes the challenges and difficulties last beyond the trip itself. Early research shows that a noticeable number (9-23%) of people using these drugs outside of clinical settings have faced challenges that lasted more than a day after the drug effects wore off. Clinical conditions reduce but don't entirely eliminate these risks. In some cases, issues can persist for weeks, months, or even years. The average duration of post-psychedelic difficulties is between 4 to 6 months. We want to help you reduce the duration and intensity of your suffering and find healing through reliable information, similar stories, and access to helpful resources.
Most people in post-psychedelic crises experience multiple symptoms which gradually diminish over time. Sometimes different symptoms respond to different treatments or coping techniques. In all cases, post-psychedelic difficulties are made worse by shame or self-blame. What happened, happened and healing comes through acceptance and focusing on positive steps to heal. Check out each of the symptoms below and find out more information by clicking through to each page. You can also contact us.
Anxiety (including PTSD)
Some individuals experience heightened anxiety after taking psychedelics, which may result in general unease, worry, or even symptoms similar to PTSD. Flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming fear may be triggered by memories of the psychedelic experience, especially if it was intense or frightening.
Perceptual difficulties/HPPD
Perceptual changes, often referred to as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), can linger after a psychedelic experience. Symptoms may include visual disturbances like trailing lights, halos, or distorted shapes. These changes can be distressing if they make everyday tasks challenging.
Derealisation and depersonalisation
Derealisation and depersonalisation are feelings of detachment, where reality can feel altered or dream-like. A person may perceive the world as unreal, or experience themselves from a “third-person” perspective, feeling disconnected from their own body, thoughts, or surroundings.
Feelings of social disconnection
Psychedelic use can lead to intense feelings of social disconnection, making it hard to relate to others. This disconnection may arise from altered perceptions of self, leading individuals to feel isolated or misunderstood. Social withdrawal, alienation, or a sense of being an “outsider”.
Feelings of depression / broken or diminished self
Feelings of depression can arise following a psychedelic experience, especially if it brings unresolved issues to the surface. Individuals may feel emotionally overwhelmed. Psychedelic experiences can shift perspectives and, in some cases, lead to a loss of prior sources of meaning or joy.
Existential and ontological difficulties including entity-encounters
Psychedelics can prompt profound existential questions about the nature of reality, self, and consciousness. For some, these insights are inspiring; for others, they may cause confusion or distress, especially when struggling to integrate such realisations into everyday life.
Cognitive difficulties
Psychedelics may leave lingering effects on cognitive function, causing memory issues, trouble concentrating, or general brain fog. These cognitive difficulties can be frustrating and impact daily activities.
Psychosis-like symptoms
In some cases, psychedelics can lead to psychosis-like symptoms, including paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. This may include feeling persecuted or having bizarre beliefs, which can severely impact one’s sense of reality and safety. These symptoms can be distressing and challenging to manage.
Sleep disturbance and nightmares
One of the more common sorts of post-psychedelic difficulty is sleep disturbances, including insomnia, waking up feeling like you're tripping again, or nightmares. These usually only last for a few days but sometimes last longer. Here's what people say helped them.
Interpersonal harms / psychedelic abuse
Sometimes, harms and post-psychedelic difficulties are caused by the actions of someone else, intentionally or unintentionally. This may be a friend, a guide or facilitator or an organisation that uses psychedelic drugs in some way (a church, retreat centre, clinic or research lab for example). In some cases, the individual or organisation may have preyed on people's suggestibility and vulnerability while under the influence of psychedelic drugs to take advantage of them for sex, money or power. Here is some information about these topics and resources for support.
Nervous system dysregulation and somatic problems
Psychedelics can cause unusual somatic issues, such as hyper-sensitivity to light or sound, seizures, heat around parts of the body, hyper-arousal of the nervous system or parts of the nervous system, tinnitus, and other unusual physical effects.
Visions of childhood abuse
Surprisingly often, people on psychedelics experience visions of having been abused as children, which leaves them confused as to whether the vision was a genuine recovered memory of abuse or a hallucination.
Psychedelics can affect the mind, brain, nervous system and emotional system in many different and surprising ways. If the type of difficulty that is affecting you is not listed above, don't despair - the chances are that someone else has experienced something similar, and found a way through. Get in touch with us and we will try to direct you to helpful information and resources.