Ever been curious about the world of psychedelics?
You might have heard tales of vibrant colors, extraordinary visions, and profound life-altering experiences. But here’s what’s not often discussed: the personality changes that can follow.
You see, for some, psychedelics aren’t just about having a “trip”. They’re about self-discovery and personal growth. And sometimes, these experiences can lead to unexpected shifts in personality.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 personality changes that people often report after using psychedelics.
Don’t worry, we’re not just going to talk about the cliché “opened my third eye” stuff. Instead, we’ll delve into real, tangible ways these substances can shift your mindset and worldview.
So, whether you’re a psychedelic enthusiast or just someone interested in understanding the effects of these substances on the human mind, buckle up. We’re about to head on a fascinating journey.
1) Increased openness
Have you ever known someone who seemed to have a closed mindset?
You know the type. They’re usually set in their ways, resistant to new ideas or different perspectives.
Now, imagine if something could nudge them towards being more open-minded.
That’s what psychedelics seem to do.
Research suggests that people who use psychedelics often become more open post-experience. They’re more receptive to new ideas, more appreciative of different viewpoints, and generally more curious about the world around them.
It’s as though the psychedelic experience acts as a mental reset button, breaking down old beliefs and making room for new perspectives.
But remember—psychedelics aren’t magic pills that instantly transform your personality. The change occurs over time and can depend on a variety of factors, including the individual’s mindset and the environment in which they’re taken.
Nevertheless, increased openness is one of the most commonly reported personality changes following psychedelic use.
2) Heightened empathy
This one hits close to home for me.
Back in my college days, I had a roommate, let’s call him Ben. Ben was a pretty regular guy, but he wasn’t exactly the most empathetic person. He often struggled to understand others’ emotions or point of view.
Then, one summer, Ben decided to try psychedelics.
After his experience, I noticed a significant shift in his behavior. Ben became more understanding and compassionate. He started to show more interest in how others were feeling, often going out of his way to provide support or comfort.
It was as though his psychedelic journey had given him a newfound sense of empathy.
Mind you, this isn’t just an isolated incident. Numerous people report similar changes after using psychedelics. They become more in tune with their feelings and the feelings of others around them.
But again, this doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that can take time and reflection. Yet, it’s certainly another noteworthy personality change that can occur with psychedelic use.
3) Deeper self-awareness
This one’s a bit tough to admit, but it’s important nonetheless.
Before my first psychedelic experience, I’ll be honest—I was pretty oblivious to my own shortcomings. I wasn’t very self-aware, and I often found myself making the same mistakes over and over again.
Then, I had my first psychedelic journey.
I saw myself from a different perspective. It was like looking into a mirror, but instead of seeing just my physical reflection, I saw my character, my flaws, my strengths, everything laid bare.
It was uncomfortable, yes, but also enlightening.
Psychedelics gave me the opportunity to confront my inner self, to understand who I truly am beneath all the layers of societal conditioning. It was a wake-up call that sparked a journey of self-improvement and personal growth.
Many others have reported similar experiences. Psychedelics can peel back the layers, helping us see ourselves more clearly and pushing us towards becoming better versions of ourselves.
It’s not always an easy journey—it can be confronting and challenging. But in the end, this deeper self-awareness can be a powerful catalyst for meaningful personality change.
4) Decreased materialism
Ever noticed how our society is driven by material possessions?
We’re often told that success is measured by the size of our bank accounts, the brand of our car, or the square footage of our homes. But after taking psychedelics, many people report a significant shift in these values.
Suddenly, material possessions just don’t seem as important. Instead, things like relationships, experiences, and personal growth take center stage.
Some people even report feeling a deeper connection to nature and the environment around them.
It’s as though psychedelics help us strip away the superficial and focus on what truly matters in life.
Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone who uses psychedelics will suddenly abandon all their worldly possessions and live as a minimalist. But a decreased emphasis on materialism is definitely a common change that many people experience.
It’s about recognizing that there’s more to life than just accumulating ‘stuff’. And that can be a pretty powerful realization.
5) Enhanced creativity
You’ve probably heard of the legendary Beatles album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. What you might not know is that many of the songs were reportedly inspired by the band’s experiences with psychedelics.
This isn’t a coincidence.
Psychedelics have been linked to enhanced creativity. They allow you to break free from your usual patterns of thinking and see the world in a whole new light.
After a psychedelic experience, many people report feeling more imaginative and innovative. They find themselves thinking outside the box, coming up with unique ideas and solutions that they never would have considered before.
So, whether you’re an artist looking for inspiration, a problem-solver in search of a fresh perspective, or just someone who enjoys thinking creatively, psychedelics might offer an interesting route to explore.
But remember, while psychedelics can spark creativity, they’re not a shortcut to becoming the next Picasso or Einstein.
Creativity still requires hard work, practice and dedication—it’s just that psychedelics might give you a little boost along the way.
6) Increased compassion
Let’s talk about Jake, a friend from my high school years.
Jake was always a bit rough around the edges. He had a tough exterior that made him seem indifferent to others’ feelings or struggles. But then he had his first psychedelic experience.
After that, I noticed a significant change. Jake became kinder, more caring. He started volunteering at a local shelter and even adopted a rescue dog. It was as if his psychedelic journey had opened his heart, allowing him to feel and express compassion in a way he hadn’t before.
Now, this isn’t just about Jake. Many people report feeling a heightened sense of compassion after using psychedelics. They become more understanding, more accepting, and more willing to help others.
Psychedelics seem to dissolve the barriers that often separate us, fostering a sense of connection and unity. They remind us that we’re all in this together, each fighting our own battles but ultimately part of the same human family.
And in these challenging times, isn’t compassion one of the most valuable qualities we can nurture?
7) Lasting positive changes
Here’s the most crucial part.
These personality changes? They are not just temporary. Many of them can last long after the psychedelic experience is over.
Studies suggest that the positive personality shifts associated with psychedelics—like increased openness, empathy, and self-awareness—can persist for years, even without further use of the substances.
This is a game-changer.
It means that a single psychedelic journey can potentially lead to long-term improvements in one’s life. It implies that these substances aren’t just about having a trip; they’re tools for personal growth and self-improvement.
This doesn’t mean that psychedelics are a cure-all or without risks. But they offer a unique way to explore our minds, understand ourselves better, and make meaningful changes in our lives.
The final reflection
If you’ve been nodding along as you read these personality changes, perhaps psychedelics have touched your life.
But remember this—it isn’t about chasing a psychedelic experience or expecting it to solve all your problems. It’s about introspection, growth, and understanding. It’s about exploring the depths of your consciousness and embracing the changes that follow.
Recognize the shifts in your personality. Acknowledge them. Use them as tools for self-discovery and personal development.
Psychedelics can open doors, but it’s up to us to step through and do the work on the other side. It’s about integration—taking these insights and experiences and weaving them into the fabric of our daily lives.
And while it’s true that these substances can induce profound changes, they’re not a requirement for personal growth. There are many paths to self-discovery and self-improvement—psychedelics are just one of them.
So, whether you’ve used psychedelics or not, I hope this article has given you food for thought. I hope it has sparked curiosity, encouraged introspection, and perhaps even inspired change.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what this journey is all about—growth, change, and becoming the best version of ourselves we can be.
