lingering effects of a single psilocybin mushroom trip

[Knossos]

My friend (in this case an actual friend, not myself, who doesn't want to post this themselves lest they tread down a road of internet self-diagnosis and come out thinking they have brain cancer) took 2 grams of mushrooms around 6 months ago now, and since that single trip has experienced lingering visual hallucinations, such as swirling patterned surfaces, shimmering, bulging scenery, tracers, etc. These continued hallucinations were strong at first but have faded significantly with time, though at times the continued stress caused anxiety/depression and the hallucinations seem very tied to stress itself. During these six months I advised my bud to simply relax about the whole thing, that it was likely just continuing anxiety and a mental placebo from their very intense trip. At times they worried about brain damage and that kind of stuff, however my friendo managed to finish their senior semester at university doing very well and now attends graduate school with great success, this plus the fact that they are still completely the person they were before the trip lead me to persuade them to chill out a little.

Though the hallucinations have faded over time, my friend requested I make this post as the hallucinations still occur at times, and they are very interested in hearing what other people who have experienced on the matter. So has anyone else experienced this type of stuff? If so, what are your thoughts on the matter.

 

[Flickering]

Sounds like classic HPPD - Hallucination Persisting Perpetual Disorder.

It's not brain damage, really, it's just a random thing that happens to a small portion of psychedelics users and aside from the visual effects, it's usually quite benign. It would only be a problem if he continues using substances, and exacerbates the condition. He's best off taking a long break from all drugs and coming back to it again tentatively if he doesn't want the effects to continue.

I've known people who actually want to get HPPD and would envy your friend. It doesn't sound like anything I would worry about.

 

[psilocybin_muncher]

i've got the same thing basically been told everything i need to know but i need to know like because i smoke weed everyday and the effects are getting worse and its quite obvious its the weed making it worse but i've been hallucinating for like 3 months and smoking weed the whole time so if i stop smoking weed do you think the effects could possibly stop? cheers

 

[notaduck]

Not that I am a neuroscientist or anything like that, but based on a lot of reading...

Assuming the hallucinations are a result of long-term and frequent consumption of weed, I would venture to say the following:
1) take a break from the weed for a week or three. If the hallucinations disappear completely, then terrific. It might be hard to quit a habit for that long without making some lifestyle changes like getting involved in some new activity and avoiding environments that are conducive to smoking.

If even that doesn't help then there might be physical brain changes and / or cognitive adaptations that will need time (and probably a tapering off as opposed to cold turkey) to undo.

There is a general mechanic found in many cellular systems where increased binding to receptor sites leads to a reduction in those receptor sites. Dependence on somethings can be attributed to this such as long term use of Ambien and benzos (reduction of GABA receptors). Over time, generally these receptors will repopulate. Sometimes that can take many months. I am unaware if this applies to cannabis receptors or not.

The mental adaptations should go away given enough time sober for your mind to learn that the sober state is the 'normal' one.