Helping someone on shrooms isn’t about giving big advice or taking control. It’s mostly about being calm, steady, and present while they move through an experience that can feel strange or overwhelming. Psilocybin affects how people see, think, and feel, so the world can become a lot more intense than usual. A reassuring voice or a grounded presence can make a huge difference. If you’ve never sat with someone before, don’t worry. The basics are simple and come down to kindness, patience, and a safe environment.
Stay Calm So They Can Stay Calm
The very first thing to remember is that your energy matters. If you’re relaxed, they’ll pick up on it. People on shrooms tend to mirror the mood of the room, so a calm tone or an easy pace helps more than you’d imagine. One harm-reduction group explains it well: “Your grounded presence can create a steady anchor when someone feels unstable.”
Try keeping your voice warm and steady. Talk slowly if you need to. Even sitting beside them quietly can help.
Give Them a Safe, Comfortable Space
Shrooms make someone much more sensitive to their surroundings, so the environment matters a lot. Bright lights, loud noises, or stressful energy can feel overpowering. If things seem tense, a small change like moving to a quieter room or dimming the lights can make a big difference.
Simple comforts help too:
- Soft lighting
- A cozy blanket
- Gentle music
- Water within reach
You don’t need to force anything. Just make sure they have what they need.
Be Reassuring, Not Controlling
Someone on shrooms might feel confused, emotional, or unsure about what’s happening. They may ask questions or seem stuck in a loop. The best thing you can do is offer soft reassurance: “You’re safe,” “You’re doing fine,” or “This feeling will pass.”
According to one guide for psychedelic support, “Listening without judgment helps the person feel secure and reduces fear.” So don’t argue, don’t correct their thoughts, and don’t tell them they’re being strange. Just follow their pace.
Help Them Ride Out Difficult Moments
If they start feeling anxious or scared, try grounding them gently. You can remind them to take slow breaths, or suggest they sit somewhere more comfortable. Sometimes, offering something simple to focus on, like music or nature sounds, can soften the intensity.
A useful technique is to help them shift attention without forcing it. You might say things like, “Let’s sit over here where it’s quieter,” or, “How about we listen to something relaxing?”
Give Them Space If They Need It
Not every moment needs talking. Some people prefer silence, or want to lie down and close their eyes. If they seem inward-focused, that’s normal. You can stay nearby without hovering. Your presence is often enough.
Think of yourself as a gentle anchor, not a guide pulling them in a direction.
Know When to Step In for Safety
Even though most shroom experiences are safe, you should keep an eye out for real risks. If they mention wanting to leave the house, climb something, or interact with strangers, step in kindly and redirect them. Safety always comes before exploration.
Also, if the person has a medical condition, mixes substances, or shows signs of severe panic, you may need outside help. One medical source notes that professional support is needed if someone becomes a danger to themselves or loses touch with reality for too long.
Check In After the Experience
Once the effects fade, people often feel reflective or tired. Asking gentle questions like, “How are you feeling now?” or “Do you want to talk about anything?” helps them process the experience. This is sometimes called integration, and it can be just as important as the trip itself.
Summary
Helping someone on shrooms is mostly about staying calm, creating a safe environment, and offering reassurance without pressure. Small things, soft lighting, gentle music, a grounding voice, can turn a tense moment into something peaceful. Give them space when they need it, stay close when they need support, and keep safety in mind. Most of all, be patient and kind. Your presence can make the entire experience feel safer and easier to navigate.
Sources
Zendo Project – Psychedelic Peer Support
TripSafe – How to Help Someone Having a Bad Trip
The Recovery Village – How to Help Someone Having a Bad Trip