AI Chatbots Are Guiding Psychedelic Trips, Raising Ethical and Safety Concerns

In the world of mental health and digital therapy, a new trend is emerging where individuals are using AI chatbots to guide their psychedelic experiences. This shift highlights both the potential and the risks of relying on technology for transformative and often deeply personal journeys.

Trey, a 36-year-old first responder from Atlanta, has been using an AI-powered journaling app called Alterd to support his sobriety journey. After struggling with alcoholism for 15 years, he took a significant step in April by taking a massive dose of 700 micrograms of LSD while using the app as a tripsitter. (For context, a typical recreational dose is around 100 micrograms.)

“I went from craving compulsions to feeling true freedom and not needing or wanting alcohol,” Trey says. He has since used the app’s “chat with your mind” feature multiple times, finding it to be an invaluable tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

One of the key features of Alterd is its ability to provide personalized guidance and support during psychedelic trips. When Trey asked the chatbot how he had become more wise through his AI-assisted experiences, it responded with insights that resonated deeply:

• "I trust my own guidance now, not just external rules or what others think."
• "I’m more creative, less trapped by fear, and I actually live by my values, not just talk about them."
• "The way I see, reflect, and act in the world is clearer and more grounded every day."

“It's almost like your own self that you’re communicating with,” Trey explains. “It’s like your best friend. It’s kind of crazy.”

Trey isn’t alone in this practice. A growing number of individuals are turning to AI chatbots for support during their psychedelic experiences, offering a glimpse into a future where such technology could play a significant role in mental health and therapy.

However, this trend also raises important ethical and safety concerns. Outside of jurisdictions like Oregon, Colorado, and Australia, psychedelic therapy remains mostly illegal, with ketamine being the only widely available option for off-label therapeutic use. In-person treatment plans can be prohibitively expensive, often costing thousands of dollars per session. As legalization efforts continue, it’s possible that AI “therapists” could become a more common and affordable alternative.

Designers are already exploring this possibility with speculative prototypes like an Alexa-cum-shaman orb designed to decentralize psychedelic therapy. While these concepts remain largely theoretical, they highlight the potential for AI to guide everything from initial assessments to the trips themselves.

Experts, however, warn of the risks associated with relying on machines that may not fully understand human subtleties and emotional nuances. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a clinical psychologist specializing in psychedelic therapy, emphasizes the importance of human interaction:

• “AI can provide valuable support, but it lacks the empathy and nuanced understanding that a trained therapist can offer.”
• “There’s a high potential for harm if users rely solely on AI without proper oversight.”

As the landscape of mental health and digital therapy continues to evolve, the role of AI in guiding psychedelic experiences will likely remain a topic of intense debate. For now, apps like Alterd are providing a new tool for individuals seeking transformative experiences, but the long-term implications and safety concerns cannot be ignored.