Two Scary Mushroom Trips: A Conversation with Adam Schartoff
Psychedelic journeys can be deeply transformative, but they can also be unsettling. In this blog post, I want to share a conversation I had with my guest, Adam Schartoff, a radio DJ and podcaster, who opens up about two terrifying experiences he had with magic mushrooms. Adam’s story is not uncommon, but it highlights the importance of preparation, safety, and intention when working with psychedelics. As someone who has spent years microdosing and guiding others, I really wanted to delve into what went wrong in Adam’s experiences and how to better navigate such trips.
I decided to paraphrase some things for readability, but the meaning and intention behind it is the same as the podcast episode. Enjoy.
Dr. Dave: “Hey Adam, so great to have you on the show today. I understand you’ve got quite a story to share, right?”
Adam: “Yes, thank you, David. I had a couple of bad mushroom trips that really made me think about my approach to using psychedelics. They left me with a lot of questions, and I wanted to share them with you, especially since I found your podcast episode on how to avoid or deal with bad trips so helpful.”
Dr. Dave: “I’m honored that the podcast helped you. But yeah, bad trips—let’s talk about them. They’re a reality that many people encounter, especially when it comes to psychedelics. So, let’s hear your story, Adam. What happened?”
Adam’s First Bad Mushroom Trip: An Unexpected Rollercoaster
Adam: “I had never really done mushrooms before, except for maybe a tiny microdose here and there with a friend. But when I met my partner, she was already involved in these plant medicine experiences, and she had a lot more experience with psychedelics. So, when we started our journey together, it felt like I was in good hands.”
“At first, it was incredible. The first time we did mushrooms together, it was magical, and everything just felt right. But then, there was this one time I decided to do them alone.”
Dr. Dave: “Whoa, doing them alone—that’s a big one right there. What led you to that choice?”
Adam: “Well, I had just finished work one day, and I was heading to a friend’s birthday party. I thought, ‘Why not take a little microdose before the party? It’ll be fun.’ But I didn’t prepare properly. I had been taking mushrooms with my partner before, but I always let her handle the dose. This time, I didn’t have that safety net. I just took some stems, not realizing how strong the mushrooms were. It was a strain called ‘tidal wave,’ and as soon as the trip hit, it came on fast and hard.”
Dr. Dave: “That’s when things started to go downhill, right?”
Adam: “Exactly. The next thing I knew, I was talking to someone at the party, and I felt like I was losing control. I tried to suppress it, hoping it would just pass. I was starting to feel paranoid and uncomfortable. I knew I had to get out of there, so I drove home. Honestly, I don’t even know how I managed to make it home. I was hallucinating, scared, and completely lost.”
Dr. Dave: “Oh wow, that’s intense. Driving while tripping is definitely not a good idea. It’s amazing that you made it home in one piece. But once you got home, how did things progress?”
Adam: “Once I got home, it got even worse. I was having what felt like an existential crisis. I thought I was having a psychotic break. I didn’t know if I’d ever be the same again. I was scared out of my mind. I actually thought about calling 911. My girlfriend was in Europe at the time, and I didn’t want to freak her out. I was just completely lost in my own head.”
Dr. Dave: “That sounds really terrifying. I think the scariest part of a bad trip is the feeling that you’ve lost control and aren’t sure how or if you’ll come back to reality. But how did you manage to get through that night?”
Adam: “It wasn’t easy. I texted a friend to let him know what was going on. Thankfully, he had been through his own struggles and understood what I was going through. He helped me get through it by reassuring me that I was okay. After hours of feeling like I was completely losing my mind, I finally calmed down. When my girlfriend woke up, I talked to her, and I felt a little better.”
Dr. Dave: “That’s a relief. I think having someone there to talk you through it can really help bring you back to reality. So, what did you learn from that experience? What would you do differently next time?”
Adam: “First off, I’d never do it alone again. That was a huge mistake. I also realized that I didn’t set a clear intention before taking the mushrooms. I didn’t have a plan or any awareness of what I wanted out of the experience. And suppressing the trip made everything worse. I’ve learned that you have to surrender to the experience, no matter how uncomfortable it gets. Trying to control it only makes it worse.”
Dr. Dave: “Those are such important lessons, Adam. I think a lot of people make the mistake of either doing it alone or not preparing themselves mentally. Now that you’ve had this experience, how do you feel about doing mushrooms again?”
Adam: “Honestly, I was scared to do them again after that first trip. But I didn’t want to give up on the experience entirely. So, I did some research, and I found your podcast episode on dealing with bad trips. It helped me gain some clarity, and eventually, my partner and I did another trip together in a much more controlled setting.”
The Second Mushroom Trip: A Moment of Clarity Amidst Fear
Dr. Dave: “It sounds like you were able to approach the second trip with more intention. How did that go?”
Adam: “Yes, it went much better. We created a safe space at home, with music, lighting, and a calm environment. But even then, I still felt that familiar fear creeping in. I had to remind myself that I was safe and that I had the tools to get through it. There was a moment during the trip when I felt myself slipping into that dark place again, but this time, I told my partner. She was able to help me work through it, which made all the difference. I came out of the experience feeling grounded and much more at peace.”
Dr. Dave: “That’s such a great example of how important it is to have support and to communicate during a trip. It sounds like you were able to learn how to work through those moments of fear. But what about your most recent trip?”
Adam: “Well, just a few weeks ago, we decided to do a slightly higher dose—1.5 grams. I thought I could handle it, but once again, I started feeling panicked and overwhelmed. This time, I wasn’t alone, but the fear still took over. It felt like I was losing control of my mind again, and it was tough to trust the process.”
Dr. Dave: “It sounds like you still faced some of those old fears. But you know what? That’s totally normal. Sometimes, the fear we experience during these trips is actually an opportunity for growth. You’re facing the parts of yourself that you might not normally confront in your everyday life. What did you learn from this trip?”
Adam: “I realized that the fear I was experiencing was actually a reflection of things I hadn’t processed from the past. My partner helped me see that I needed to confront those fears and trust the experience. When I finally let go, I felt the beauty and clarity that comes with a mushroom trip. But I’m still cautious. I don’t want to risk going too far down the rabbit hole without being prepared.”
Dr. Dave: “I think that’s so wise, Adam. It’s important to approach psychedelics with respect and intention, especially when the experiences are intense. You’re learning how to integrate those feelings and move forward with more awareness. But I want to ask you one final question: after everything you’ve experienced, do you think you’ll continue with mushrooms in the future?”
Adam: “Definitely. Despite the challenges, I believe in the healing power of mushrooms. I’m just more cautious now, and I know that I need to approach them with respect, intention, and the right mindset. I’m definitely open to more experiences, but I’m not rushing into it.”
Dr. Dave: “I love that perspective, Adam. There’s no rush. It’s all about listening to yourself, knowing your limits, and being intentional about how you approach these journeys. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today. I think a lot of people will relate to your experiences, and I’m grateful that you’re so open about them.”
Adam: “Thank you, David. I really appreciate being here and having the chance to talk about this. It’s been a helpful process, and I’m looking forward to continuing my journey, with the right intentions.”
Dr. Dave: “Thanks again, Adam. We’ll definitely keep an eye on your journey, and I hope to have you back on the show sometime soon.”
Final Thoughts
Adam’s story highlights an important aspect of working with psychedelics: the unpredictable nature of these experiences. Not every trip will be easy, and sometimes things can go sideways. But by setting clear intentions, being mindful of your environment, and surrounding yourself with support, you can navigate even the most challenging trips.
If you’ve ever had a difficult experience with mushrooms or any other psychedelic, you’re not alone. The key is to learn from it, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward with awareness and respect.
And if you’re looking for guidance on your own journey, whether through one-on-one professional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you, and together, we’ll make sure your psychedelic experience is as safe and transformative as possible.
Until next time, take care and trust the process.
Love, Dr. Dave
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Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before using psilocybin. Also, only use this medicine safely where it is legal or decriminalized.
