Personal temperament is something rarely discussed or often overlooked when considering ingesting a psychoactive substance. Let's examine what might make an introvert's experience different on psychedelics.
Are introverts really all that different when exploring substances in the psychedelic space? There’s actually a lot to consider when ingesting a psychoactive substance, but personal temperament is something rarely discussed or often overlooked. It can affect everything we interact with, from our day-of mindset to how we interact with the environment around us. What causes us to feel uneasy and shy away when others are being giddy and loud? These differences can be unconscious and cause us to retreat into ourselves.
It’s best to examine and respect what might make us different from our peers, friends and lovers. This will better equip us for when things start to feel uncomfortable and remind us that there’s nothing wrong with us, it's just that we see and feel the world differently. And that’s okay.
When it comes to psychedelics there are traditionally two major areas to address. They are your mindset and your environment. How you are feeling the day-of going into a psychedelic experience can make a large impact on how your journey unfolds. And where you are physically doing your substance can also play a large role.
Here are five areas related to your mindset and what may make an introvert’s experience different on psychedelics:
Everyone is capable of overthinking but introverts can take it to a whole new level. This can mean a variety of things for us. It could mean that we get lost in our thoughts easily and end up in thought loops or that we overthink social situations into creating anxiety for ourselves. And on psychedelic substances that can lead to being extremely uncomfortable.
This can lead to a deeper psychedelic experience and cause us to truly feel our connection with nature, god, our fellow humans or all creation. We may be more inclined to feel activated and present in our bodies and have experiences on a deeper somatic level. We may cry, feel sensual, be aroused, or feel a stronger connection with our emotions than we normally might.
Yes, a very obvious but important point, being around people can feel draining after a certain amount of time. We can still encounter this need to recharge in the psychedelic space. Often not knowing how to put words to it can make our ability to communicate these feelings harder in social settings. So make sure you’ve communicated ahead of time that you may need to take some time away from folks, and rejoin your friends or party after a needed break.
Alternatively, on certain substances we may be more social and communicative than we normally are. They activate our heart space and help us speak from a place of love, understanding and genuine curiosity. They allow our inner child to be seen, witnessed and express themselves in ways that aren’t normally available to us. Even tapped into this beautiful space, we may find ourselves drained faster than usual because of the elevated state our bodies are in while using a psychoactive substance. So keep that in mind as well.
How we deal with our moods can largely impact our trip. This has to do with knowing where you are at emotionally. Checking in with yourself before a trip is the best thing you can do. Have an honest conversation with yourself if today is the best day for you to do this activity. Have there been any uncomfortable events or interactions leading up to this experience that may cause us to be distracted, depressed, or bummed out? Are there things preventing us from getting the rest and attention we need after this experience is over?
How we choose to focus on the ‘good or the bad’ can set us up to receive insights or have a difficult time. It is so important to remind ourselves of that. Sometimes we may work with a plant medicine that holds our hand and guides us through the experience without much driving on our part. How are we prepared to give up control? How are we prepared to take a longer journey that could take hours and physically exhaust us faster than non-introverted individuals? We should have an honest conversation with ourselves and realize that these things are neither positive nor negative, but considered part of the experience. They aren’t to be negotiated, batted away or worked around. It is best to adopt a mindfulness practice that reminds you to stay present and go with the flow.
The last five areas are related to your setting, your environment:
As introverts we’d most likely prefer one that is calm and minimally stimulating. That doesn't mean that it has to be boring, but it does mean that we won’t be overwhelmed by something unexpected or shut down because of random or abrasive situations springing up.
This means that an ideal situation would be one where you can have a comfortable place to relax. There can be access to a couch, lawn chair, grass, shade, etc. You can have items with you that will make you more relaxed like a soft blanket, pillow, clothing item, stuffed animal, etc. As an introvert, you may get distracted easily by discomfort and not lean fully into your own psychedelic experience, therefore it is in your best interest to think about these things before ingesting your substance.
As an introvert, you may consider first and foremost doing a journey solo. But for certain substances that doesn’t always work out in terms of how they are served or facilitated. So we need to prepare ourselves for being around others and understand it may be during their worst moments, often loud, often emotionally raw.
Consider the friend that you chose to sit with as well during this process. Will psychedelics bring out characteristics in them that may be too abrasive in the moment for you? As you go inward, will they become distracting and pull you outward? Will they deplete you faster because you’re on a substance that’s already requiring attention and energy from you? This is not a judgment call on them, simply an honest evaluation from you about what you can and cannot handle during this vulnerable experience.
Sometimes we take substances in loud musical environments, but we need to be aware of how this may affect our feelings/emotions several hours into our journey. Having some ability to step away or prepare for these environments will help us in the long run. Some ideas may include bringing noise canceling headphones, ear plugs, eye-shades, sun glasses, a water bottle with calming tea or a feel good snack of yours.
Distractions are often not expected and overlooked as to their impact on us. This could be something occurring that takes your attention away from yourself and your intention. It could be a friend that may be talking too much for where you’re at journey-wise. It could be you becoming conscious that you’re in a group of people that are sober and feel that you’re standing out. There are all kinds of distractions, but by doing some thinking ahead of time you give yourself a chance to navigate them before they take hold of your thoughts while on a psychedelic. Tell your friend ahead of time that you will give them a cue if you want to be by yourself or need a break from the conversation. Prepare a playlist of music that may be your go-to ‘happy place’ in case you need help refocusing on your intentions and yourself. As an introvert, don’t feel like you have to accommodate these distractions. If they are too much from you, make your needs known and a new solution will likely present itself.
This is one of the most obvious displays of being an introvert, yet absolutely applies to our time while undergoing a psychedelic experience. It will come up at least once in your journey that you may become over-stimulated and need to find solitude in order to process, recharge or calm down. Make sure that there is an environment ahead of time that you may be able to visit to get away from whatever may be causing you distress in that moment. Otherwise it is always an okay idea to change your scenery. This may bring up new ideas and new insights that you were not able to get to while being around others, etc.
So next time you get psychedelic with yourself or others, take these areas into consideration and enhance your experience, honor yourself, and enjoy your unique introspective nature. Have a beautiful trip!
Note from author: If you are curious about working with psychedelics or plant medicines, I am available for psychedelic integration coaching services for those that identify as introverts or highly sensitive people. Please visit my website thepsychedelicintrovert.com for more information.
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