Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs
AbstractPsychedelic substances have gained widespread attention for their therapeutic potential and insights into the mind. However, research on their possible negative effects remains limited. While some recent studies have explored the aftermath of psychedelic use, there is still a lack of empirical data on the long-term challenges individuals may face after a trip, what these difficulties entail, and how they might be addressed.
The Challenging Psychedelic Experiences (CPE) project investigates adverse experiences associated with psychedelic use in recreational, therapeutic, and clinical settings. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines online surveys with in-depth interviews, the study has identified a range of reported difficulties, including anxiety, fear of going mad, fear of permanent damage, insomnia, dissociation, existential crises, and more. This research aims to create a taxonomy of post-trip challenges and strategies participants have used to manage these effects, shedding light on whether similar challenges respond to similar coping techniques. As psychedelics gain legal and cultural acceptance in therapy and recreation, understanding both their benefits and risks is essential for promoting safe use. With millions of people already experimenting with psychedelics and many more interested in their potential for healing or spiritual growth, it is crucial to examine the adverse effects experienced by a minority of users. The findings from this study will offer valuable insights for future research and clinical applications as psychedelics become more mainstream in mental health and medicine. The presentation will highlight key themes of post-trip difficulties and coping strategies reported by participants. |
|
Speaker
Shayam Suseelan is a PhD candidate at King’s College London and University College London where his research focuses on the effects of LSD on time perception, using tools like fMRI, MEG, microphenomenology, and experience sampling. Through his work, he hopes to bridge the gap between the phenomenological and neuronal aspects of the psychedelic experience, exploring how these two perspectives intertwine. Shayam is also involved in the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project, studying the less-discussed side of psychedelics—adverse effects—and working to identify strategies that help people manage and integrate these experiences over the long term. With a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of York and an MSc in Psychology from the University of Greenwich, Shayam’s academic path reflects his curiosity about the intersections of biology, psychology, and consciousness research.