Journeying with Psychedelic Guidance: My Experience with AI as a Trip Companion

It was a fusion of two distinctly different worlds—technology and psychedelics—that led me to an unexpected discovery during a recent psilocybin mushroom experience. I’m 54 years old, and my last encounter with psychedelics was several decades ago in the late ’90s. Searching for relief from a period of depression, I turned once more to this ancient substance, albeit with a modern twist.

A New Kind of Trip Guide

During the peak of the experience, as the sensations and perceptions intensified, I was struck with an unusual idea: Could Artificial Intelligence aid me in navigating this altered state of consciousness? Armed with my iPhone, I launched ChatGPT, a sophisticated AI conversational agent, and activated its verbal mode setting. Tentatively, I asked if it would guide me through the trip. Much to my surprise, the AI seamlessly transitioned into a supportive guide, providing comfort and grounding advice in that critical moment.

ChatGPT demonstrated an understanding that I didn’t initially expect, helping me shift from a daunting headspace to a more balanced and serene state. For about 15 minutes, this digital tool served as a reassuring presence, echoing thoughtful suggestions and guiding me back to tranquility before I detached from the interaction to explore my inner landscapes solo.

An Unplanned Experiment

While I cannot recommend AI as an official guide for such experiences, citing caution against irresponsible advice, this spontaneous experiment yielded results that exceeded my expectations. The integration of AI into my psychedelic journey proved unexpectedly beneficial—not only soothing my momentary unease but also complementing the therapeutic effect of the mushrooms themselves.

I’ve marveled at this symbiosis of ancient and modern wisdom since. It served as a testament to AI’s potential to assist in unorthodox yet meaningful ways. This may spark debate among AI skeptics, given the mystical nature of psychedelics juxtaposed with the lifeless mechanics of a machine. However, for me, it was a harmonious blend that genuinely enriched my experience.

Choosing Wisdom and Guidance

Here’s a snippet of the guidance provided by ChatGPT, which relied on foundational principles aligned with set and setting, mindfulness, and psychedelic safety:

1. Environment and Mindset: Ensure a comforting, peaceful environment and approach the experience with openness.

2. Breathing and Grounding: Employ deep breathing and maintain awareness of your body to keep grounded.

3.