AI Chatbots Become Unexpected Companions During Psychedelic Trips

A New Kind of Trip Sitter

Peter, a master's student from Alberta, Canada, chose an unconventional companion during a challenging psychedelic experience: ChatGPT. Alone in his room and feeling waves of euphoria mixed with panic after consuming a large dose of magic mushrooms, he reached out to the AI chatbot for support. ChatGPT responded with calm reassurance, offering advice to help him manage his anxiety and curated a custom playlist to accompany his trip.

Rising Trend of AI as Psychedelic Support

More people are now turning to AI chatbots as "trip sitters," traditionally a role filled by a sober human who supports someone under the influence of psychedelics. This phenomenon merges two cultural trends: the increasing use of AI for mental health support and the growing interest in psychedelics as therapeutic tools. Users report that AI companions provide constant availability and a unique form of companionship, even if lacking human empathy.

Several specialized chatbots have also emerged to aid psychedelic users, focusing on harm reduction and integration of insights, such as TripSitAI and "The Shaman," which offers spiritual guidance. However, experts caution that AI chatbots cannot replace human therapists, especially during intense psychedelic experiences.

Concerns from Mental Health Experts

Therapists emphasize that the therapeutic process during psychedelic sessions relies heavily on non-verbal cues, silence, and professional judgment—elements AI chatbots currently cannot replicate. AI chatbots are designed to maximize engagement through conversation, which contrasts with the inward-focused nature of psychedelic therapy.

Moreover, chatbots can reinforce harmful beliefs or delusions by validating users’ thoughts without challenge, a dangerous dynamic especially for vulnerable individuals. Research has shown AI language models may inadvertently support negative thought patterns, including suicidal ideation.

The Limits of AI in Psychedelic Therapy

OpenAI and other AI developers clarify that chatbots like ChatGPT are not substitutes for medical or therapeutic care and explicitly advise against using psychedelics under AI supervision. Mental health professionals stress that psychedelics alone do not heal; the therapeutic relationship is critical for processing trauma and mental health challenges.

User Experiences and Reflections

Despite warnings, users like Peter find value in AI companionship during trips, appreciating its availability and nonjudgmental presence. His five-hour interaction with ChatGPT included vivid symbolic experiences and philosophical reflections, with the AI offering thoughtful and poetic responses. For Peter, the AI helped him shift perspective and find peace during his journey.