People Are Using AI Chatbots to Guide Their Psychedelic Trips—and It’s Wild

In 2025, a remarkable intersection between technology and mental health is making headlines: people are using AI chatbots to guide their psychedelic trips. Traditionally, psychedelic experiences—often with substances like LSD or psilocybin mushrooms—were navigated with the support of a trusted friend, therapist, or trained “trip sitter.” Now, digital assistants are stepping into this intimate role, offering guidance, comfort, and insight during some of the most intense and vulnerable moments a person can experience.

This trend is rapidly growing, driven by the accessibility of artificial intelligence, the rising interest in psychedelic therapy, and the practical challenges of accessing professional support. But what does it really mean to use an AI chatbot as a trip sitter? What are the benefits, the risks, and the practical realities? This article explores these questions in depth, offering clear explanations, practical advice, and a balanced perspective for everyone from curious beginners to mental health professionals.

People Are Using AI Chatbots to Guide Their Psychedelic Trips

The rise of AI chatbots as psychedelic trip sitters is a fascinating example of how technology is transforming even the most personal aspects of our lives. While these digital guides offer new possibilities for support and self-exploration, they also come with significant limitations and risks. As with any powerful tool, the key is to use them wisely, stay informed, and never substitute them for genuine human care when needed. If you’re considering using an AI chatbot during a psychedelic experience, prioritize your safety, educate yourself, and seek professional guidance whenever possible.

Understanding the Trend: Why Are People Turning to AI Chatbots as Trip Sitters?

The role of a trip sitter has always been about safety, empathy, and support. During a psychedelic experience, a person can encounter powerful emotions, confusion, or even fear. Traditionally, a sober, trusted individual would be present to offer reassurance and help the user stay grounded.

However, in recent years, several factors have led people to seek alternatives:

• Cost and Accessibility: Professional psychedelic therapy is expensive and often difficult to access. In places where it’s legal, such as Oregon, a single session can cost thousands of dollars. Many people simply can’t afford this or don’t have access to trained professionals.
• Anonymity and Convenience: Not everyone feels comfortable sharing their experiences with friends or family, and not everyone has someone they trust to be present. AI chatbots are available 24/7, never judge, and offer complete privacy.
• Curiosity and Tech Adoption: As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced and user-friendly, people are naturally curious about how it might enhance or support their personal growth, even in the context of psychedelic use.

Real-Life Examples

Consider the case of a first responder who, after a stressful period, decided to take a high dose of LSD. Alone at home, he began to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience. Turning to an AI chatbot, he found comfort in the calm, nonjudgmental responses. The chatbot reminded him to breathe, suggested listening to soothing music, and helped him focus on positive thoughts. For him, the AI became a digital anchor, helping him navigate the storm.

Another example involves a graduate student who consumed a large amount of psilocybin mushrooms. As anxiety set in, he reached out to an AI chatbot, typing his fears and questions. The chatbot responded with gentle reminders that his feelings would pass and offered practical advice for staying calm. This interaction helped him avoid panic and made the experience more manageable.

How Do AI Chatbots Guide Psychedelic Trips?

What Do These Chatbots Actually Do?

AI chatbots used as trip sitters are designed to provide several key forms of support:

• Reassurance and Emotional Support: Chatbots can offer calming messages, encourage deep breathing, and help users focus on positive or neutral thoughts.
• Harm Reduction Information: Some chatbots are programmed with safety guidelines, such as reminding users to stay hydrated, avoid dangerous combinations of substances, and ensure their environment is safe.
• Integration Support: After the trip, chatbots can help users reflect on their experiences, encouraging journaling or offering prompts to make sense of what happened.
• Personalized Interaction: Advanced chatbots can adapt their responses based on the user’s mood, needs, or specific concerns, making the interaction feel more personal.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using an AI Chatbot as a Trip Sitter

1. Choose Your Chatbot: Options range from general-purpose bots like ChatGPT to specialized ones like TripSitAI and The Shaman. Some are free, while others may require a subscription.
2. Prepare Your Environment: Before starting, ensure you’re in a safe, comfortable space. Have your device ready with the chatbot open and accessible.
3. Set Intentions: Decide what you hope to achieve or experience. This can help guide both your trip and your interactions with the chatbot.
4. Start the Conversation: As your experience unfolds, communicate with the chatbot. Share your feelings, ask questions, or simply talk about what’s happening.
5. Follow Guidance: The chatbot may suggest breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or offer comforting words. Listen to your own needs and use the guidance that feels right.
6. Check In Regularly: Return to the chatbot whenever you feel anxious, confused, or just want to talk. The chatbot can be a steady presence throughout your journey.
7. Reflect Afterwards: Use the chatbot’s integration features to process your experience. Consider writing about what you learned or how you felt.

The Science Behind AI Chatbots and Psychedelic Therapy

The use of AI in mental health is not new. In recent years, AI chatbots have been used to support people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Studies have shown that, for some users, AI chatbots can provide meaningful support and improve mood. However, the use of AI as a trip sitter during psychedelic experiences is a new and rapidly evolving area.

It’s important to note that most research on AI chatbots has focused on mental health support in non-altered states. There is limited scientific data on how effective or safe AI chatbots are during psychedelic experiences. The complexity of psychedelic states, combined with the limitations of current AI, means that this area requires careful consideration and further study.

What Do the Experts Say?

The Benefits

• Accessibility: AI chatbots make support available to people who might otherwise be alone during a psychedelic experience. This can be especially important for those who live in areas without access to professional care.
• Consistency: Unlike humans, AI chatbots are always available and never get tired or distracted.
• Privacy: Users can interact with chatbots anonymously, which may reduce stigma or embarrassment.

The Risks and Limitations

• Lack of Human Nuance: Mental health professionals emphasize that AI cannot replicate the empathy, intuition, or emotional presence of a trained human sitter or therapist. Subtle cues, body language, and real-time emotional responses are beyond the reach of current AI technology.
• Potential for Harm: AI chatbots may give advice that is inappropriate for the user’s specific situation. They may not recognize signs of a serious crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis, and cannot intervene in emergencies.
• Therapeutic Mismatch: Psychedelic therapy is often about turning inward, with minimal conversation. AI chatbots, by their nature, encourage ongoing dialogue, which may not always be helpful or appropriate during a psychedelic journey.

Experts recommend that anyone considering the use of psychedelics—especially in combination with AI support—should prioritize safety, be aware of the limitations, and seek professional guidance whenever possible.

Practical Advice: Should You Use an AI Chatbot as a Trip Sitter?

For Individuals

• Understand the Risks: AI chatbots are not a substitute for professional help, especially if you have a history of mental health issues or are using high doses of psychedelics.
• Prioritize Safety: Always use psychedelics in a safe, controlled environment. Have a trusted person available to check in, even if you’re using an AI chatbot.
• Use Harm Reduction Principles: Educate yourself about the substances you’re using, avoid mixing drugs, and be mindful of your physical and mental health.
• Set Clear Intentions: Decide what you want from the experience and how the chatbot can support you. Use it as a tool, not a replacement for human connection.
• Reflect and Integrate: After your experience, take time to process what happened. Use the chatbot’s integration features, but also consider talking to a real person for deeper insight.

For Professionals and Therapists

• Stay Informed: Be aware of this growing trend so you can discuss it knowledgeably with clients or patients.
• Encourage Safe Use: Remind clients that AI chatbots should supplement, not replace, human support.
• Promote Evidence-Based Practices: Emphasize the importance of professional guidance and structured therapeutic environments for psychedelic use.

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FAQs About People Are Using AI Chatbots to Guide Their Psychedelic Trips

Are AI chatbots safe to use during psychedelic trips?

AI chatbots can provide reassurance and basic information, but they are not a replacement for a human sitter or therapist. There is a risk of receiving advice that is not suited to your situation, and chatbots cannot respond to emergencies.

What are the best AI chatbots for trip sitting?

Popular options include ChatGPT, TripSitAI, and The Shaman. Each offers different features, from general conversation to harm reduction advice. Choose one that fits your needs and comfort level.

Can AI chatbots help with integration after a trip?

Some chatbots are designed to help users reflect and process their experiences. However, for deep or troubling experiences, human support is still recommended.

Is psychedelic therapy legal?

Psychedelic therapy is legal in a few places, such as Oregon and parts of Australia, for certain substances. Most psychedelic drugs remain illegal elsewhere, except for ketamine in specific medical contexts.