What is a challenging psychedelic experience? It turns out that it’s incredibly subjective. What one person finds challenging or bad, another may see as a growth opportunity.

But the current rhetoric around psychedelics presents them as mostly always good, positive, healing and helpful experiences. Jules Evans is dedicated to shining a light on the harms, challenges and dangers of psychedelics.

In this episode, Jules’ takes us through the most common post-trip challenges and offer support for those navigating these challenges. These include but are not limited to: Derealization and depersonalization, post-ecstatic blues, and alienation. We also have a fascinating conversation around sense making, when psychedelics ignite an existential paradigm shift, and over-dogmatism when interpreting psychedelic experiences.

Jules is a a researcher, writer, historian of ideas and practical philosopher. He is interested in ideas and practices which help being suffer less and flourish more. He has written two books, and is currently devoting his energy to the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project — researching psychedelic harm reduction, ethics and integration. They are currently researching post-trip difficulties and what helps people deal with them.

Topics Covered:

• Jules’ traumatic encounter with psychedelics
• The good and bad of ecstatic experiences
• How we relate to ecstatic experiences
• Are challenging trips really always the most valuable?
• What constitutes a “challenging” or “bad” trip?
• Possible predictive factors for challenging experiences with psychedelics
• Derealization and depersonalization after psychedelic experiences
• Dealing with “post-ecstatic blues” after peak experiences
• Alienation and lack of connection after psychedelic experiences
• When psychedelics ignite an existential shift
• Over-certainty and over-dogmatism when interpreting psychedelic experiences

Show Links:

• Kanna Extract Co - LANA to save 10%
• 1:1 Coaching Application
• Jules’ Books
• Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project
• Escasticintergration.org (Jules’ newsletter)
• Full Show Notes

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DISCLAIMER: Modern Psychedelics does not endorse or support the illegal consumption of any substances. This show is meant for entertainment purposes only. Modern Psychedelics does not sell or promote the sale of any illegal substances. The thoughts, views and opinions on this show should not be taken as life advice, medicinal advice, or therapeutic guidance.