DP/DR and Psychedelics: Navigating the Risks of Altered Realities
What might happen to someone who is derealized and depersonalized and does psychedelics like shrooms
If someone who is already experiencing derealization and depersonalization (DP/DR) takes psychedelics like mushrooms, it can be a risky and unpredictable experience. Psychedelics amplify your sense of perception, alter your sense of self, and sometimes break down the boundaries of reality. For someone with DP/DR, which already involves feeling detached from self and reality, this can intensify those feelings. Here’s what might happen:
1. Intensification of DP/DR Symptoms
Psychedelics often dissolve the sense of self (known as “ego death”), which could feel like a heightened or permanent state of depersonalization. For someone already struggling with feeling disconnected, this can be deeply unsettling.
Derealization, or the sense that the world isn’t real, might feel amplified as psychedelics alter your perception of reality. Everything could feel even more surreal, dreamlike, or alien.
2. Anxiety or Panic
Psychedelics can heighten anxiety, especially if the person is already struggling with existential fears or a fragile sense of self. A DP/DR person might feel overwhelmed by thoughts like, Am I real? Is this world real?
The inability to "ground" oneself during a trip can lead to spiraling thoughts or panic attacks, as the usual coping mechanisms (like grounding in physical sensations) might not work.
3. Potential for Insight (but at a Cost)
On the flip side, some people with DP/DR report that psychedelics gave them new perspectives or breakthroughs. The altered state can temporarily bypass mental walls or open doors to understanding their detachment.
However, this “insight” doesn’t always translate into lasting relief. If the person isn’t prepared to integrate what they experience, it might just create more confusion or distress.
4. Risk of Trauma or Long-Term Worsening
Psychedelics can lead to intense, overwhelming trips. For someone with DP/DR, this could feel like being stuck in a nightmare of disconnection, worsening their baseline symptoms after the trip ends.
Some people report that DP/DR became more chronic or intense after a bad trip, as the experience reinforced their sense of alienation.
5. Potential for Healing (with the Right Conditions)
Under controlled conditions, like guided therapy with a professional, psychedelics might help someone with DP/DR. The key is careful preparation, support during the experience, and integration afterward.
Psychedelics are being studied for their ability to “rewire” the brain and increase neuroplasticity, but these benefits are context-dependent. Without proper guidance, the risks often outweigh the rewards.
How to Approach Psychedelics Safely (If at All)
If someone with DP/DR is considering psychedelics, here are some crucial safeguards:
Set and Setting: Ensure the environment is calm, safe, and supportive. Being with a trusted guide or therapist is essential.
Low Dose: Start with an extremely low dose to avoid overwhelming effects.
Integration: The insights gained during a trip need to be processed and integrated into everyday life, ideally with professional help.
Be Prepared for Uncertainty: Psychedelics aren’t guaranteed to “fix” DP/DR, and they might make it worse. Knowing this in advance can prevent further trauma.
The Bottom Line
Psychedelics can be a double-edged sword for someone with DP/DR. They might provide moments of clarity, but they’re just as likely to intensify feelings of disconnection and alienation. The safest approach would be avoiding them unless done in a therapeutic setting with proper support. DP/DR already challenges the boundaries of self and reality, and psychedelics throw those boundaries into complete disarray.
