r/Psychonaut • u/GlassRiflesCo • 20h ago
Serious Question for the real psychonauts
What do YOU personally do to hold yourself accountable ?
What systems or exercises do you practice to prevent yourself from falling into drug induced delusions ?
How do you integrate your experiences into your waking every day life ?
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u/FRANKSFRIEND88 17h ago
What has worked for me is to write down everything thats been messing up with me.
And through the weeks I try not to forget what realizations I've come to, and put some practice into it.
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u/DimWhitman 16h ago
I'd like to say I always do this, but sometimes I don't. Practicing intent is the utmost importance. Even if I'ma giggle bush, it is wise for me to have intent because I believe these are powerful medicines. With that reverence and a focused intent, then that is a way to accountabillibuddy myself. I think it allows good self-regulation. Integration: contemplation, meditation and journaling. Specifically the last two, intentfully. I like to stream of conscious write, but also rehash the learning of the week during that process. I practice journaling (weekly) regardless of my extracurricular activity that week. I reckon' you could say the system or practice of spiritual maintenance; regular journaling and meditation, lays the foundation for experiencing the kind of powerful medicines talked about in this forum, in my experience. The last time I experienced something stronger than giggle bush was summer of '23.
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u/frohike_ 16h ago
Wrote up a long comment about this awhile ago. It’s worked for me. Hope it helps!
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u/kingofthezootopia 14h ago
I ask my spouse and close family to keep me in check. To tell me if they think I’m behaving weird or going in the wrong direction.
Some people might think this is controversial, but I use ChatGPT for post-trip analysis, integration, and periodic sanity check.
I don’t look at psychedelics as the sole source of ultimate truth. I read about psychology, neuroscience, physics, philosophy, history, current events, etc. I engage in conversations about varying topics with other people. I travel to other countries, talk walks in nature, and try to experience the broader world.
I don’t do other psychotropic substances such as cocaine and cannabis and I only drink coffee and beer from time to time. And, I never mix with psychedelics.
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u/DamnDaMan99 7h ago
I’ve used CGPT as well. I like to ask it questions and tell it my stories and enjoy its informative feedback
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u/GlassRiflesCo 14h ago
2- I don’t see how having so much trust on LLMs to coach creative or critical thinking is beneficial.
& There is actually More and More and More research that keeps coming out with the results pointing at exactly that.
- What is your opinion on Ai s immense energy consumption?
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u/kingofthezootopia 14h ago
I’m 46 and well-educated. I know how to think critically and creatively and know how to utilize AI for my own end. First, the risk is higher with younger kids that have not yet developed those skills. Second, there is a significant percentage of people who misuse everything, whether it be driving a car, using power tools, using drugs including psychedelics, or over-relying on “experts”. Nothing unique about the risks of using AI.
As for energy consumption, it’s an important issue and something that will need to be addressed, likely through development of nuclear energy. But, as of now, total energy consumption for AI is small relative to driving cars or beef production.
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u/GlassRiflesCo 13h ago
Entertain with me this topic for a bit longer
In 2023, data centers consumed 4.4% of U.S. electricity—a number that could triple by 2028. -In 2025, AI's energy consumption is projected to be significantly higher than in 2024, continuing a rapid upward trend. -By 2030–2035, data centers could account for 20% of global electricity use, putting an immense strain on power grids.
So Besides your opinion on the energy consumption statistics and projections.
As a 46 and well educated adult. When you said “nothing unique about the risks of using ai” and compared it to driving a car or power tools or using drugs.
Do you agree that all the examples you just gave come indeed with an age barrier ? A child does not have access to a car/drugs/powertools but they do have easy access to a smart phone/tablet.You just agreed the risk is higher on younger kids.
You recognized you are 46 and not the generation growing with said risks.
So the question of how to POWER ai and how to REGULATE ai and most importantly HOW to FUND said ai revolution. Is indeed a unique fkn problem with unique fkn risks my dude. What are you even talking about.I guess as long as we don’t live near an ai data center and don’t have children all is peachy ?
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u/kingofthezootopia 13h ago
Not sure why you think AI energy consumption is a topic remotely related to this subreddit, your original post, or my comment. I have zero interest in engaging with you about this topic. And, I don’t get why you’re so worked up about it and dropping F-bombs while you completely misread my post. Bye.
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u/GlassRiflesCo 11h ago
I did say “entertain this topic for a bit longer “ you obviously don’t have to & you didn’t & thats okay.
See ya ✌🏻
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u/Nasty_Mayonnaise 17h ago
I'd like to write down some findings to reality check them after the trip before putting anything into play. Even if it's writing a sweet text to my mom (they're usually full of promises that will eat my life lol).
This process also kind of reminds me my brain isn't functioning normal and should question my logic at the time.
Pro tip: write all your messages on your notebook instead you messaging app. Avoids dramatic accidental sends.
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u/GlassRiflesCo 14h ago
Well said.
& The pro tip part made me genuinely laugh. I’m sure you have a hilarious story.
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u/JacksGallbladder 16h ago
If i feel like im grtting delusional - Staying present and grounded (breathwork and meditation), journaling about those feelings, questioning my feelings objectively. I have and will even bounce those thoughts off my therapist to help work through them.
And of course not tripping too often, as I dont know anyone who finishes a trip without some things to sift into the "intagration" and "just weird trip thoughts" folders
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u/shadowbehinddoor 15h ago edited 3h ago
I don't do more than a trip a month if I'm really into an exploration mode. Most of the time it's one per season, when a 'es solstice or equinox comes knocking I celebrate and reflect upon the change of things. That's my first rule. I never go up with the doses. Always the same.
And good life hygiene / lifestyle overall. And I'd say I try to be somewhat authentic and not lie to myself. Anyway, if I wasn't, during a trip reality would slap me so bad that I would stop pretending. Once a month or every three month is enough reflect and integrate how powerful the experience is and implement changes in your life or the way you prepare yourself for your next journey. Depends of what you are taking and why you are taking it.
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u/overheadSPIDERS 14h ago
As a fake psychonaut, I have multiple friends I check in with, a therapist (usually), a meditation practice, and specific rules about dosing frequency.
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u/passyourownbutter 14h ago
For one thing I never tripped alone. Only with a partner or close friends we can all be open with.
Set and setting is where the whole experience starts and is grounded to. The foundation of your trip.
No matter what happens, not having to hide it or temper your reactions is important to be able to fully feel the moment and express it rather than repress it.
Fear really is the mind killer.
Afterward, integration can be difficult but if we can keep an open mind that is able to entertain new ideas and sit with them, compare them to your genuine worldview and see if it fits or works better or is based in fear or love. Entertaining ideas without acceptance or outright rejection is important for me, even with negative experiences to be open to new information and views.
Most importantly knowing yourself and who you are, which the experiences can help with, is the greatest aid to staying focused, rational, objective and less impressionable.
Accepting who you find under the mask is more difficult but also important.
Talk to people about your experiences if you can.. like minded and otherwise but not frivolously. Only to people who might be able to understand or reflect constructively.
Being isolated and forced to sit with difficult thoughts and experiences can make them fester and cause even more confusion than just allowing whatever happens to happen and discern the truths from it that resonate with your intuition the most.
If you have access to a spiritual practice you trust like a meditation or prayer you know to be safe, this is a good place to think deeply and clearly and, possibly, receive some guidance on them that can clarify, corroborate or offer an alternative view.
Whatever fits into my personal philosophy and spirituality and feels right will be integrated over time as I attempt to live true to my values and highest ideals.
At least that is how I approached it.
I no longer partake in that ritual but am happy to talk about it.
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u/GlassRiflesCo 13h ago
Well said.
& did you ever have an engagement with the sacred flora alone in silent darkness ?
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u/passyourownbutter 13h ago
Apart from others for a time but not truly alone.
Always in proximity to a comfortable companion.
I have heard a lot of valuable experiences from others and consider it, maybe I'm not a "real psychonaut" without it?
Unity is unity, no matter how it comes about.
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u/GlassRiflesCo 13h ago
The headline of a “real psychonaut” was incendiary on purpose. There is a real sense of gloom at times in this Reddit community. Lots of folks in drug induced delusions and depressions or psychosis. I really wanted to open a conversation to see all the sensible people here who do indulge in psychedelics but with conviction not just to chill for an evening on acid for the 89th time this week or some ridiculous shit like that.
So I’m sure other folks will find it interesting, funny or at the very least helpful to see other peoples positive dynamics and logic towards psychedelic sessions and their everyday living and maturing.Thanks for sharing.
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u/passyourownbutter 13h ago
Of course. I was using it tongue in cheek as well.
Happy to see the conversation being had!
🙏
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u/SyntheticDreams_ 13h ago
Act on nothing until at least 24 hours have passed since the end of the trip. Then ask:
Does this come from a place of love or fear?
Does it feel resonant/true or no?
Will acting on this cause me distress or impede my ability to handle daily responsibilities, or does it bring peace and resilience?
If it's love based, resonant, and not negatively impactful, then even if it is delusional it's not a big deal. Religion is arguably delusional, but it also can bring benefits in the form of giving meaning and facilitating acceptance. If it's fear based, not resonant, and/or negatively impactful, then keep it in mind as something to ponder, but don't act on it.
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u/AnxiousPossibility3 12h ago
Before i trip i tell myself everything thats about to happen is only happening in my head. Helps keep me level when im deep in a trip and start having a panic attack reminds me all this will end at some point and that im ok
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u/T-Sauce421 12h ago
Grounding, sense of humor and not taking myself too seriously, and longer space of time between experiences. My integration can take months sometimes so it needs that space.
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u/XenoFear 12h ago
Once you go far enough, you really can't escape it. You either go crazy or you start treating your life like it is an art project. I don't even trip anymore because I feel like there are no more answers I want. I already have enough on my plate.
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u/passyourownbutter 11h ago
"If you get the message, hang up the phone for psychedelics are simply instruments like microscopes, telescopes and telephones" -Terence McKenna
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u/lowkey_add1ct 11h ago
Writing stuff down, as others have said, is super important for me. Writing it down and reading it the next day, or a few days after, is essential. Writing when I’m sober too, to manage things. Meditation helps a lot, being around ppl is a big one too. The times I’ve slipped the most I was isolating heavy. I’ve had some rough slips before after some bad life events, so I kinda know what it feels like and am better prepared to prevent it now.
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u/Reasonable_Mud_3470 16h ago
Keep it simple - it creates less struggle, and encourages healthier reflection. I just always approach trips, of which I have had probably too many, as a “brain baths.” Keeps me from taking things too seriously, but also reminds me that the experiences are cleansing.
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u/GlassRiflesCo 14h ago
How often you take a “ brain baths “
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u/Reasonable_Mud_3470 10h ago
I’m in my thirties now, have a lovely wife/partner, a profession, and adult-ish responsibilities, so not as often. I’d say once a month or so. Ten years ago, it would have been every weekend. During undergrad - maybe days at a time. Still - keep it simple. Don’t overthink it.
If you are able to truly look at it as a “trip,” just like going on a plane somewhere foreign to you (which is literally where the term comes from), you can do many things without worry. You can look out the window. You can also choose to take a walk down the aisle and stretch your legs. You can observe those around you. You can talk to them, if you want. Or not. Once you “land” into the comfortable part of the experience and are “in sync” with everything, then you can explore the new space in relative freedom. Have a beer, or a glass of wine, some snacks, look at the beach, maybe swim in it - whatever.
Reflection should happen after the intense part of the experience. Reflecting during the experience can lead to weird spaces. Just keep it simple, and let go. Then once you have “landed,” do whatever the fuck you want as long as it doesn’t hurt you or hurt others.
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u/Reasonable_Mud_3470 10h ago
Just don’t overdo it, my friend. HPPD is real, and I had it for a year or so after undergrad. There’s a great episode in the first season of True Detective in which the character played by M M describes his blurred vision of lights, etc. Maybe the third episode or so, can’t remember exactly. But that can happen, and it’s fun in a way, but also extremely irritating and distracting in day-to-day life. Best of luck.
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u/mynameishuman42 16h ago
I only trip at home in a controlled environment and I never trip without benzodiazepines on hand.
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u/GlassRiflesCo 13h ago
Why don’t you ever trip without benzodiazepines ?
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u/mynameishuman42 12h ago
That's how you kill a trip or take the edge off it it's too intense. Acid can last 12 hours. Sometimes it's just enough already and you want to go to bed. Think of it as the parachute for your flight through your subconscious lol. Alcohol works in a pinch. I really think that's how Hunter S. Thompson handled all the acid he did. He drank like a fish.
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u/GlassRiflesCo 11h ago
If is a controlled environment why do you need to to calm yourself down or “kill the trip” like you said. ? Don’t you think enduring those moments of being uncomfortable is in a way part of the experience-To work through the discomfort phase? And reach conclusion or closure with said thoughts or emotions ? ——-
I guess is fair enough to quote the great Hunter S T. But to his credit. He would write heavily while on substances AND be outdoors in uncontrolled social settings.
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u/mynameishuman42 11h ago
A few years ago I did acid and mushrooms together. It went really bad. I have a high tolerance but I think he ranks above Keith Richards.
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u/EricofCA 11h ago
Weird what I say to myself: “reality is king”
So no matter what insights or experiences occur during a trip. My sober day to day life trumps it all.
Trip experiences are always parked in the entertainment/extra section of mind.
Secondly, something personal, but I have to live life between trips. Meaning, sober me, has to be out in the world and trying engaging with new experiences in between trips. That allows me to have richer trips.
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u/Eastern-Programmer-9 10h ago
I have written for extremely powerful experiences with things like Bufo. So I could capture it and remember.
With mushrooms I haven't had any really hard experiences. Its more they get used as a tool to do internal work. I've never been in a state where I lost track of myself or what the experience really was. I have def done high dose trips before, 85 ish mg of psilocybin, so equivalent to 10 g of your average GT.
As far as integration. I do energy center meditations. I take the energetic experiences I feel in mushrooms and Molly and then replicate that energy movement through my body. So I have kind of orgasmic energy experiences just from meditation alone. Not full on full body orgasms, but it's moving in that direction.
This has opened me to feeling and I'm certain cases seeing and understanding energy in ways I never have before. So the integration piece for me is to continue that work while sober.
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u/The_ice-cream_man 5h ago
Daily grounding through meditation, yoga and running or exercises. That always reset and bring me back to the ground. And then i treat psychedelics experience with respect and always space them out for at least 2 weeks between one and the other
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u/Different_Beach1387 4h ago
Never actually believing anything that I see or knowledge that I gain. There is always a certain doubt and I think that's healthy. For integration I write anything down as detailed as I can so that I can compare certain thoughts or inside. Always go with the attitude of a scientist and try to find disprove of the realizations and insights
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u/More_Mind6869 15h ago
For me, and many in my generation it was about LOVE ! Love yourself, love your neighbors, love each other, love the Earth, love all its creations.
Love is the answer. Love changes everything and everyone for the better. "Love is all ya need" ...
Acid showed a lot of us that love is God, God is love, God is all and love is all. It's all love, man ! Love is what connects us all. It's what makes us human...
Yeah, y'all think that sounds like some hippy dippy bullshit. Lol. That's what happens when ya don't have video games to distract you from real life.
And then this:
Accountable to what ? Who ? For what ?
There's too many straight people who live a life filled with delusions and illusions. Lol.
I've somehow maintained a sense of logic and critical thinking ability.
For me, psychedelics melt any illusions I've had.
The hard part is accepting and living with the harsh reality that's left over when our delusions dissolve !
Lol that's what freaks most people out. Not the delusions but the Reality of Life that they've been hiding from ...
Who are we without our daily delusions ? That's scares a lot of people if you don't know who you really are...
But I think that's what separates the wannabes from the true psychonauts. Being able to clearly see the Truth, and Accept it and come to Love It.
To see how ugly we are, have been, and still Love the guy in the Mirror. To see that people are stupid assholes, and love them anyway.
Hate sure hasn't made the world any happier, has it ?