Brain fog after psychedelics: confusion, memory and concentration problems
Since your psychedelic experience, is it hard to think clearly, remember things or concentrate? Do your thoughts go round in circles? You’re not alone. Brain fog after psychedelics is a recognised part of post-psychedelic difficulties, and for most people it clears within six months.
On this page you’ll find the forms these cognitive difficulties can take, how long they tend to last, what has helped people, and when to seek professional help.
Forms brain fog after psychedelics can take
Confusion, problems thinking clearly and memory issues
Some people experience confusion and disorientation after their psychedelic trips. Individuals may find it challenging to think or speak linearly, feeling disoriented and uncertain about when the confusion will stop. Additionally, some individuals experience post-psychedelic forgetfulness or memory issues that can impact one’s ability to recall information or events accurately, disrupting daily life.
“I couldn’t think or speak linearly for at least a few days, or at least it felt that way... Everything felt confusing and I didn’t know if or when it was going to end... I didn’t understand what was happening to me, and did not have any language for it.”
Intrusive, ruminative or obsessive thoughts
Some individuals experience intrusive, ruminative, or obsessive thoughts following a psychedelic trip. These thoughts can be persistent and unsettling, causing significant distress.
“After my trip was over, I felt shaken up for days/weeks and wondered if I had gone crazy. Thoughts like this were going around in my head during those weeks: ‘What really IS “crazy”?’ ‘Whatever the majority thinks is not suitable behavior?’ ‘Am I “crazy” for not feeling that I want to adapt to this world?’ ‘Isn’t it a crazy thing to be well-adapted to a crazy world?’ ‘Isn’t everyone ELSE crazy then?’ ‘Crap, that’s such a crazy-person thing to say!’ Round and round it went.”
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Some individuals find it hard to focus on tasks or maintain attention, affecting work, studies, and personal projects, leading to decreased productivity. Further, trouble with decision-making can also arise, where individuals struggle to evaluate options and make choices.
How long does brain fog after psychedelics last?
For most people in our research, difficulty thinking clearly and confusion lasted up to six months after the psychedelic experience.
It affected people to different degrees. Most (60%) described it as moderately severe, 28% as very severe, and 11% as not severe. Even when it feels overwhelming, it is a recognised difficulty that others have come through.
What helps with brain fog after psychedelics
Recent research indicates that individuals grappling with issues related to clear thinking and confusion have found therapy or coaching to be beneficial, along with support from peers and family, as well as journaling or writing.
To cope with cognitive difficulties, creative expression - such as writing, painting, or music - can provide an outlet for processing complex thoughts and emotions, offering clarity and relief. Additionally, mindfulness practices, such as meditation and grounding exercises, can enhance concentration and decision-making abilities. Poor sleep can make brain fog worse. Practices such as maintaining good sleep hygiene and engaging in regular physical activities can be particularly effective. Sleep hygiene includes establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.
Here are some practices people generally have reported to find helpful to cope with challenging psychedelic experiences:
- Speaking to friends and family or attending a peer support group
- Speaking to a therapist, especially one who is familiar with psychedelics and psychedelic difficulties
- Cognitive practices like compassionate self-talk, cognitive distancing, and especially meditation and prayer
- Embodied self-care practices like exercise, yoga, walking in nature or body relaxation
- Finding useful information online and in books (e.g. the work of Stanislav Grof’s or “Breaking Open: Finding a Way Through Spiritual Emergency” by Jules Evans and Tim Read)
- Journaling
- Engage in creative activities like writing, art-making, or music
- Some people find medication helpful.
It is essential to explore and integrate these strategies in a way that resonates with personal preferences and needs, seeking support from professionals or trusted sources as needed.
When to seek professional help
Brain fog after a difficult trip often clears on its own, but it’s worth talking to a doctor or a therapist who understands post-psychedelic difficulties if:
- confusion or memory problems have lasted several weeks and aren’t improving, or are getting worse
- you can’t keep up with work, study or everyday tasks
- intrusive or obsessive thoughts are taking over your days
- you’re also experiencing low mood, strong anxiety or poor sleep
A doctor can also check for other causes of memory or concentration problems.
Our practitioner directory lists therapists and clinicians experienced with post-psychedelic difficulties, and our free monthly online support group is a place to talk with others who understand.
Get urgent help straight away if you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, or if you or people around you notice signs such as hearing or seeing things others don’t, or holding strong beliefs that others find very unusual. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Can psychedelics cause brain fog?
Some people experience confusion, memory problems or difficulty concentrating after a difficult psychedelic experience. In our research, for most people it lasted up to six months.
Will my memory and concentration come back?
For most people these difficulties ease with time. Rest, good sleep, reducing stress and support from others can all help.
How do I stop the looping thoughts?
Many people find it helps not to fight the thoughts but to notice them and gently redirect attention, for example to the body, to a task, or to creative work like writing or music. Therapy can also help with intrusive or obsessive thoughts.
What helps most?
People in our research most often found therapy or coaching, support from peers and family, and journaling or writing helpful.
Where can I find support?
You can join our free monthly online support group, find a practitioner in our directory, or contact the Fireside Project’s support line for emotional support during and after psychedelic experiences.
Further resources
For further information and support, the following web resources and support services are recommended:
- For visual changes after psychedelics, see our page on HPPD and perceptual difficulties.
- CPEP runs a free monthly online support group for people experiencing post-psychedelic difficulties on the last Sunday of every month.
- Our practitioner directory lists therapists and clinicians experienced with post-psychedelic difficulties.
- Psychedelic Clinic in Berlin: Clinic at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin offering immediate support. Click here to get in touch.
- Psychedelic Support: Connect with a mental healthcare provider trained in psychedelic integration therapy and find community groups that can provide support.
- Fireside Project: The Psychedelic Support Line provides emotional support during and after psychedelic experiences.
- Institute of Psychedelic Therapy: The Institute for Psychedelic Therapy offers a register of integration therapists.
Source: Evans, J. et al. (2023). Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study. PLOS One, 18(10), e0293349.