What Is the Psychedelic Afterglow Period?

Defining “Psychedelic Afterglow”

If you’ve ever had a psychedelic experience, you might have an idea of what we mean when we say “afterglow”. 

It’s been 8-12 hours since you ingested psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The patterns are wavering from your vision, but the world around you looks changed, more emphasized, vibrant.

A few days later and you notice details where you hadn’t before; you see the iridescence in the bubbles as you pour water over the coffee grounds in your french press for the first time.  

You notice the birds singing in your yard, have they always been there? 

Maybe you’ve even come up with the last lyrics to that song you couldn’t finish, like a sudden realization or burst of creative energy. 

When we talk about the afterglow period, we are generally referring to the period of time immediately following a psychedelic experience, and likely to be felt before any integration is done.

It’s transitory by nature, and strongest in the hours following a psychedelic experience, but it can linger for days or months after, depending on the substance and individual.

The psychedelic afterglow feeling is reported as subacute, meaning you are no longer feeling the direct effects of the psychedelic substance, but you haven’t returned to baseline either. 

It’s a more watered down version of the psychedelic experience, or rather the “residual effects” of the experience.

This can include heightened mood, increased creativity, increased cognitive function, and potential increase in cognitive performance, but the effects felt in the afterglow period are dependent on the type of psychedelic used (Basedow et al., 2024).

The most prominent reported effects are an increased sense of interconnectedness, either with yourself, others, the planet, or something greater, an overall enhanced mood, and heightened senses.

While your visual or auditory acuity might help you notice things you haven’t before, it can also cause a sensitivity to light or loud sounds. Even social interactions can seem like too much for the moment. 

Some people may notice an adjustment to their sleeping pattern, habits, or preferences. 

For example, we had a client who garnered a preference for herbal tea instead of the flavored sports drinks she had been drinking before. Some of these preferences may fade, or they may grow roots in your life.

We have seen a correlation between how positively people feel about their psychedelic experience and the intensity of the afterglow period, so it’s okay not to feel an intense afterglow after a difficult experience. 

On the other hand, we have seen journeyers who feel a graceful or euphoric afterglow after an intense or difficult psychedelic experience because they feel grateful or relieved to have been able to face their difficult content and in turn feel a sense of release. 

While no one knows for certain the biological mechanism behind the “afterglow” effect, it’s been reported and experienced enough that the scientific community is beginning to investigate it in research studies and clinical trials (Evens et al., 2023; Murphy-Beiner & Soar, 2020). 

In a systematic review done by Evens et al. (2023), data was collected from 48 studies done between 1950-2021 that examined the subacute effects of either psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, 5-MeO-DMT, or a combination, from 1 day to 1 month post-psychedelic experience, seen in table 1.

Table 1

While we may not have a full scientific understanding of the “afterglow effect”, we can theorize by using context clues. The existence of the afterglow effect is multilayered, leaving a lot of unanswered questions. 

“The funny conundrum is that for the psychedelic afterglow effect to exist, it goes against our modern understanding of substances and their effect, AKA the substance only works when it is an active compound within our system. But many folks are reporting certain sensations or emotions and feelings, certain ways that they are perceiving a stimuli, or certain changes in their thinking pattern and their emotions.”

We do know that it happens at the same time that we’re gaining neuroplasticity and breaking free from our default mode network, which filters information we perceive, and that there’s likely a chemical or hormonal shift post-psychedelic experience, especially with serotonergics.

The Airplane Analogy

Imagine the psychedelic experience as a flight on a plane. The afterglow period can happen once the wheels have come out of the plane to land, hitting the tarmac, and landing the plane. 

You haven’t reached your destination yet, you still have to go to bag check, get a rental car, etc, but you have safely landed on the ground. Being transitory in nature and short-lived, the landing may be an easily overlooked component of your entire trip.

The psychedelic afterglow phase can be the same way, especially when preparation, integration and the psychedelic experience itself are more easily defined and have definite start and end points.

In actuality, every aspect of your healing journey overlaps and blends together, creating an almost undefinable experience that mirrors the ups and downs of everyday life. 

“I find myself going through a really impactful two year arc, that I can’t define any other way than it being some sort of initiatory process, some sort of life initiation. And once I realized that I was in a phase like that, some sort of initiation process, then it allowed me to navigate it much more gracefully.”

This is to say that by identifying the psychedelic afterglow gives it substance, after all, it is the bridge between the powerful altered states of consciousness that arise from psychedelics and sober everyday life. 

How to Take Advantage of the Afterglow Period

There’s a few things to remember when trying to use the afterglow period to our advantage. 

Yes, it is transitory and will fade, and it is distinctly different from the ceremony and integration phase, but it can still be helpful to think in terms of integration as you are floating in between an altered state of consciousness and sober reality. 

Some people may become worried as the afterglow effects start to wear off. They might think they are regressing or losing progress, but this isn’t true. Knowing it will fade gives us an opportunity to prepare for its end and know that it is not related to our progress.

“The afterglow feeling fading doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re regressing or sliding. It’s just powerful anyways to understand and acknowledge that all things are temporary, nothing lasts, and this is actually why any of this bears importance. And it’s why it’s important to be fully in the moment and in the experience.”

One way to take advantage of this unique period of time is to use it as an excuse to just be present. 

You may feel an urge to dive into analysis mode as soon as your psychedelic experience comes to a close, but instead, map out how you are feeling without asking why, or how, there is immense power in being able to sit and observe.

Due to the likelihood of heightened sensitivity in the afterglow period, being mindful of what you expose yourself to, whether it be media or social interactions. 

A Word of Advice

One piece of advice that we know is important because we too suffer from it, is not to replace true healing with the effects of the afterglow. 

It’s so easy to come out of a psychedelic experience reinvigorated, feeling on top of the world with your brand new perspective and boosted mood, and say, “Who needs integration? Not me!”

Well, we really hate to break it to you but the afterglow period does not replace proper integration, and that will become apparent when the feelings fade and you’re left feeling like you’re at a deficit. 

It’s post-ceremony where we are given an opportunity to bring all of our hard work to fruition, and funnily enough those who stick with their mindfulness practices post-ceremony, see the afterglow effects extend longer. 

As we like to say, if preparation is the act of doing (doing things to move into a psychedelic experience), and the ceremony is about being (being in the moment), then integration is about the merging of doing and being.

This is why preparation is so helpful, it sets you up with the skills that will carry you through your entire healing journey, not just a psychedelic experience. 

Making the Possible, Possible

Yes, you read that right. The afterglow period is different for everyone, but it’s most powerful attribute is the ability to remind people that the emotional state that you seek is possible.

As depression sweeps the nation, sometimes we just need a reminder that we can feel alive, we can feel good, and that we deserve to.

Yes we may feel overwhelming euphoria during a psychedelic experience, but that’s different from feeling that euphoria in a more sober and grounded state.

For those of us who suffer, it can be nice to be reminded of our capacity to feel connected, or happy, or even relaxed. 

Question From the Community

“How much time should I allot to the preparation process?”

In our experience as facilitators, we see that on average, people spend 2-3 weeks preparing for a therapeutic psychedelic experience. The preparation process varies quite a bit between individuals.

Depending on your needs, proper preparation can happen in a few days, or it can take 6 months to a year and a half. 

One overarching goal of psychedelic preparation is to give yourself practice rounds so that you are primed and prepared for any content or emotions that might arise during your psychedelic experience.

Preparation doesn’t give you a crystal ball to tell the future, so keep your expectations realistic. Even the most prepared individual might find themselves caught off guard during their journey.

For example, let’s say an uncomfortable forgotten memory arises during your psychedelic experience. 

No one could have known that content would come to the surface, but you engaged in mindfulness practices during preparation, and consequently you’re able to let go of your judgement and surrender to the experience.

It could be from something like positive self-talk, but it could also come from reconnecting with your nervous system during preparation, which helps connect mind and body. 

Recommended Reading: Psychedelic Preparation: The Power of Bodily Attunement

That uncomfortable forgotten memory could result in a fight or flight response, so familiarizing yourself with your own bodily responses can help mitigate a negative body response negatively affecting your experience. 

This could lead to powerful insights about that uncomfortable memory that you never would have been able to engage with had you not had practice rounds. 

We like to use 2-3 weeks of preparation as a baseline, adding time for those of us who have more in-depth content like a history of trauma, or control issues like OCD. 

If working with a facilitator or coach, they may want to have 4-6 preparation sessions with individuals who have a lot of content to unpack before moving forward to a psychedelic experience. 

The effort and time put into preparation should reflect the level of therapeutic psychedelic work an individual wishes to engage in. 

Outshine the Afterglow

There’s ways to give yourself the best chance of outshining your afterglow and ensuring long lasting benefits, most of the time it starts with putting in the time to research all the ins and outs of the psychedelic healing journey. 

• Post-Trip Emotional Processing: Explore the many different types of psychedelic integration and how they affect you after a psychedelic experience. 
• Maintaining Authenticity After Integration: Understand the significance of preserving internal integrity through psychedelic integration, emphasizing the role of genuine self-reflection in sustaining personal evolution.
  
• Psychedelics & Parenting: Being mindful of yourself isn’t the only thing that comes with expanded awareness, learn how it can affect your family dynamics and motherhood as well.
• More Preparation Tools: Body attunement is one of the many ways to prepare for an intentional psychedelic experience, we’ve compiled a handbook chock full of helpful tips, but if reading isn’t your thing check out our prep workshop!
• Preparing Your Mind Alongside Dosing: Preparing your dose properly is important, but it’s imperative to also prepare your mind for the unconscious material that may pop up in your psychedelic experience.
• Back To The Basics: Start with the basics to gain a comprehensive understanding of the psychedelic medicine known as psilocybin mushrooms.
• Embracing Vulnerability: Discover the power of openness when sharing your psychedelic experiences, to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance.
• Find The Value in Anecdotes: Still not sure what you’re getting yourself into? Check out other’s stories to get a better idea on how magic mushrooms make you feel.

Client Testimonial:

“My facilitator understood me in ways that I did not think was possible. Not only did she understand my situation and internal experience, but she provided so much valuable insight during my prep sessions. She brought a sense of importance to the ceremony that not only felt incredibly validating, but helped it become one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Her knowledge of working with the medicine continued to shine through in our integration sessions. The combination of her knowledge and seemingly uncanny ability to understand my emotions, thoughts, and experiences provided a service that went above and beyond the call. My facilitator is excellent. I know that sounds reductive, but she truly is. She demonstrated a level of understanding, care, knowledge, and empathy that far exceeds any mental health professional I have worked with before.” — Psychedelic Passage Client

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the psychedelic afterglow, and how does it differ from the experience itself?

The psychedelic afterglow refers to the period following a psychedelic experience where individuals may feel enhanced mood, creativity, and a heightened sense of interconnectedness. 

Unlike the effects of the substance, which are intense and vivid, the afterglow is a subacute state that can last for hours to days post-psychedelic experience. It is characterized by residual feelings and insights rather than the direct sensory alterations of the psychedelic experience.

2. How long can the afterglow effects last, and are they the same for everyone?

The afterglow effects can last anywhere from hours to several days or even months, depending on factors such as the specific psychedelic used and the individual’s unique response. 

While many report positive feelings and increased perceptions during this period, the intensity and duration of the afterglow can vary significantly from person to person.

3. Why is it important not to confuse the afterglow with the integration process?

The afterglow period can evoke a sense of euphoria and heightened clarity, which may lead some individuals to feel as though they no longer need to engage in integration practices. 

However, true integration involves processing and applying insights gained during the experience to everyday life. Relying solely on the afterglow can lead to an emotional deficit once the heightened feelings fade, making integration essential for sustaining long-term growth and healing.

4. How can individuals make the most of their afterglow period?

To take advantage of the afterglow, individuals should focus on being present and observing their thoughts and feelings without judgment. 

Engaging in mindfulness practices, avoiding overstimulation from social interactions or media, and allowing themselves to explore new preferences can help deepen the benefits of the afterglow.

5. What is the recommended preparation time before a therapeutic psychedelic experience?

On average, it is suggested to spend 2-3 weeks preparing for a therapeutic psychedelic experience. However, this duration can vary widely depending on individual needs and circumstances, including personal history and emotional content that may surface. 

Those with more complex issues might benefit from longer preparation times, and engaging in practice rounds of mindfulness can help them navigate any unpredictable challenges during the experience.

6. How does the concept of neuroplasticity relate to the afterglow and its effects?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This process is often heightened during and after a psychedelic experience, allowing individuals to break free from rigid thought patterns and gain new perspectives. 

The afterglow may reflect the positive shifts in cognitive functioning and emotional state resulting from this neuroplastic change, enabling a deeper appreciation for life and increased creativity during the post-experience period.

References

Basedow, L. A., Tomislav Majić, Nicklas Jakob Hafiz, Engi A. E. Algharably, Kreutz, R., & Riemer, T. G. (2024). Cognitive functioning associated with acute and subacute effects of classic psychedelics and MDMA – a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65391-9

Evens, R., Schmidt, M. E., Majić, T., & Schmidt, T. T. (2023). The Psychedelic Afterglow Phenomenon: A systematic review of subacute effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 13. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253231172254

Murphy-Beiner, A., & Soar, K. (2020). Ayahuasca’s ‘afterglow’: Improved mindfulness and cognitive flexibility in ayahuasca drinkers. Psychopharmacology, 237(4), 1161–1169. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-019-05445-3