Psychedelics can be incredibly healing, but they also carry risks. As you prepare for your first guided psychedelic session, it’s essential to understand these risks so you can minimize them and have the safest, most meaningful experience possible.
In this post, I want to explore the possible short-term and long-term risks that can arise after taking psychedelics like psilocybin truffles. My goal isn’t to scare you away from these powerful substances, but to empower you with knowledge so you can use them wisely.
As an experienced guide who has supported people through their psychedelic journeys, I’ve seen how good preparation and integration practices dramatically reduce the chance of negative effects. I’ll share some of those best practices too.
Specifically, we’ll cover:
- Short-term risks such as difficult emotions, sensory changes, and the reopening of psychological wounds
- Long-term risks including hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), psychosis, and dissociation
- Ways to minimize risks through mindset, setting, dosage, and integration
While psychedelics are not without risks, they can be used safely and responsibly. I want to offer a realistic perspective so you feel informed and empowered going into your first session. With some forethought and care, you can harness the transformative potential of psychedelics and skillfully navigate any challenges along the way.
Short-term risks after using psychedelics
1. Difficulty integrating emotions & insights
One of the most common risks in the hours and days after a psychedelic session is difficulty integrating the intense emotions and insights you experienced. The experience may have been blissful and profound, but afterward you feel overwhelmed or confused trying to make sense of it all.
Having an integration plan is essential – whether that’s talking with your guide, journaling to process emotions, discussing insights with a friend, or expressing yourself creatively. Without integration, you may feel shaken or unable to ground the psychedelic experience in your daily life.
See also our article on what to do the day after a psychedelic session.
2. Re-experiencing perceptual changes
About 9% of people experience some perceptual changes in the days after taking psychedelics. You might notice visual distortions, flickering lights, or changes in your senses of sound, taste, or smell. These are normal after-effects that usually fade within a few days or weeks.
3. Reopening psychological wounds
There’s also a risk that old psychological wounds get reopened during the psychedelic experience. If you have a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, those issues may surface as part of the inner exploration. In the long run this can be healing if you process the emotions with support. But in the short term it can be disruptive and feel vulnerable. Having a therapist (outside the coaching relationship) or a support system in place afterward is essential.
Though uncomfortable, these short-term risks are manageable. Knowing about them in advance helps you handle them gracefully if they arise and get the help you need. With some care around integration, any distress usually resolves.
Long-term risks after using psychedelics
Although less common, there are some long-term risks to keep in mind after taking psychedelics.
4. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
One of these is hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where visual changes persist for weeks or months after using psychedelics. This includes seeing halos, trails, or distortions around objects. HPPD is more likely with higher doses, but it can also occur after a single use. Symptoms often fade over time but can be distressing.
5. Drug-induced psychosis
Another rare but serious risk is drug-induced psychosis. People with underlying mental health conditions like schizophrenia may be more vulnerable. While psychedelics don’t cause psychosis on their own, they can trigger episodes in susceptible individuals. Signs such as delusions, paranoia, or losing touch with reality after a psychedelic session should be addressed medically right away.
6. Dissociation from self & reality
Some people also experience dissociation after using psychedelics, feeling disconnected from themselves or reality. This can make it difficult to function normally. Grounding techniques such as meditation, time in nature, physical movement, and connecting with others can help counter dissociation. But if it persists, professional support is advised.
7. Worsening of mental health issues
In addition, psychedelics risk worsening pre-existing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. While some find relief through therapeutic use of psychedelics, others report increased symptoms afterward. One study on medical application found that psychedelic treatments rarely (10%) led to symptom worsening versus two-thirds in the waitlist condition. It’s recommended to start with lower doses first if you have a history of mental illness.
While not guaranteed, being aware of these long-term risks allows you to plan accordingly and get help if needed. Most people who use psychedelics responsibly will not experience lasting negative effects. But it’s better to know the risks and have the right support systems in place.
8. Potential for misuse
While many psychedelics are traditionally not considered addictive, there is a potential for misuse or overuse. Some individuals may be drawn to the profound experiences these substances offer and use them as an escape rather than a tool for introspection and growth. Without proper reflection and integration, continually chasing these euphoric states can lead to habit-forming patterns. This diminishes the substance’s transformative benefits and increases psychological risks. Moreover, frequent use can lead to tolerance, prompting some to consume higher doses, which further increases the risk of negative reactions.
To protect yourself against this potential for misuse, it’s advisable to space out psychedelic experiences and allow ample time for personal growth and integration between sessions. Ongoing self-education about your chosen substance, its effects, and the associated risks is of the utmost importance.
If there’s a growing urge to use psychedelics, it’s essential to reflect on the underlying motivations and, if needed, seek guidance from knowledgeable professionals or support groups. The intention and respect with which one approaches these powerful substances can make all the difference in ensuring their benefits are harnessed while the risks are minimized.
Ways to minimize the risks
While psychedelics carry risks, there are ways to reduce the chance of negative effects and have the safest session possible:
- Set and setting – Be in a comfortable, familiar environment with people you trust. Don’t trip in an unstable emotional state.
- Have an experienced guide – They can watch over your safety, talk you through challenges, and help with integration afterward.
- Start with low to moderate doses – Work your way up slowly to get familiar. Don’t overdo it at the start.
- Don’t mix psychedelics with other drugs or medications – Interactions can increase unpredictability and side effects.
- Integrate afterward – Reflect on your insights through practices like journaling, art, and talking with others. Seek therapy if needed.
- Seek professional help if distress persists – If you keep struggling after the acute effects have passed, don’t hesitate to seek support.
With knowledge, intention, and the right guidance, you can maximize the benefits of psychedelics and minimize negative reactions. While risks exist, you can use these powerful substances thoughtfully.
Don’t approach psychedelics recklessly, but give them the reverence they deserve. With knowledge, intention, and the right guidance, you’re able to explore these substances safely and harness their transformative potential. I wish you all the best on your psychedelic journey!
