Social disconnection after psychedelics: why it happens and how people reconnect
Since your psychedelic experience, do you feel cut off from other people, like nobody could understand what you went through? Social disconnection after psychedelics is one of the most common difficulties in our research, and for most people it eases within six months.
You might feel like an outsider even among friends, struggle to put the experience into words, or have tried to talk about it and been met with a dismissive or shaming response that made you pull back further. You are not alone if you feel like this.
On this page you’ll find the forms social disconnection can take, how long it tends to last, what has helped people reconnect, and when to seek professional help.
How long does social disconnection after psychedelics last?
For most people in our research, feelings of social disconnection faded within six months of the psychedelic experience, though for some they lasted longer.
How much it affected people varied. Around a third (32%) described it as very severe, significantly disrupting their lives, and around half described it as moderately severe, with some disruption to daily life.
What social disconnection after psychedelics can feel like
These difficulties can encompass various experiences that affect social interaction and connection with others:
Feeling alone in a crowded room
One of the most commonly reported social difficulties is a profound sense of social disconnection. Some individuals describe feeling like an outsider, even among fellow psychedelic users/journeyers. This sense of isolation can leave one feeling distant, withdrawn, and unsure how to bridge the gap between oneself and others.
“A feeling of being distant, withdrawn, ’socially outcast’… Even from other Ayahuasca users.”
Struggling to communicate and share
Expressing oneself can become difficult post-trip. Individuals might find it hard to find the right words or feel misunderstood by those who have not shared similar experiences. There may also be a fear of judgment or stigma surrounding psychedelic use, leading to reluctance in opening up about one’s journey.
Dealing with social anxiety and feeling hurt
Some individuals may experience heightened social anxiety after psychedelic use. This can manifest as a fear of being judged or misunderstood by others, leading to avoidance of social situations and increased feelings of isolation.
Individuals may also experience hurt or distress due to the behavior of others, particularly during or after psychedelic experiences. This can include feeling mistreated or invalidated by psychedelic guides or peers.
Withdrawing and longing for normalcy
In more severe cases, individuals may withdraw completely from social interaction, feeling untrusting and disengaged from friends and peers. Individuals may also experience difficulties with being socially ‘normal’, where they want to fit in and be ‘normal’ but no longer know how to do that.
“I became withdrawn, untrusting, disengaged from friends. I recall giving away my possessions. Though smart, I dropped out of high school.”
What helps people reconnect after a difficult psychedelic experience
Reconnecting with others and oneself after a psychedelic journey takes time and effort. Seeking support from understanding communities, therapists, or peer support groups can provide a safe space for individuals to process their experiences and connect with others who can relate. Effective coping strategies commonly reported include reading or viewing materials about the condition, receiving therapy or coaching, spending time outdoors and in nature, and seeking support from peers and family.
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 (click here for more info)
- 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
Feeling disconnected after a difficult trip often eases on its own, but it’s worth talking to a doctor or a therapist who understands post-psychedelic difficulties if:
- you’ve been withdrawing from people for several weeks and it isn’t easing
- you’re avoiding friends, family or social situations altogether
- you’re struggling to keep up with work, study or daily life
- you’re also experiencing low mood, anxiety or feeling hopeless
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
Why do I feel so disconnected from people after a trip?
A difficult psychedelic experience can be hard to put into words, and it can feel like no one around you could understand it. Some people also meet dismissive or shaming reactions when they try to talk about it, which makes them withdraw further.
How long does social disconnection after psychedelics last?
For most people in our research, it faded within six months, though for some it lasted longer.
How do I explain what happened to friends and family?
You don’t have to explain everything at once. Some people start by sharing one page like this one, or by talking with others who have been through something similar, for example in a peer support group.
What helps most?
People in our research most often found reading about the condition, therapy or coaching, time outdoors in nature, and support from peers and family 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:
- We run a free monthly online support group for people experiencing post-psychedelic difficulties.
- 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.