John Miller
Thought loops are a common phenomenon when using psychedelic drugs like mushrooms. They are repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions that occur when parts of the brain that are not normally connected become strongly linked. These loops can be as simple as entering a room, forgetting why you came, leaving, and then repeating the process. They can also be more complex, such as when a person gets stuck in a negative thought loop and feels stressed, anxious, or angry. While thought loops can be a symptom of anxiety or OCD, they are also a normal part of life and can be managed through practices like meditation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Thought loops" are repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions. |
| Commonality | Thought loops are a common phenomenon when using psychedelic drugs. |
| Duration | Thought loops can last from several seconds to several minutes or more. One source mentions that cycles typically last between five seconds to two minutes. |
| Causes | The cause of thought loops is not well understood. One theory suggests that they are caused by lapses in short-term memory. |
| Examples | Checking the time on your phone repeatedly; checking a water bottle for leaks repeatedly; locking a door and repeatedly checking if it's locked. |
| Prevention/Interruption | Meditation; changing rooms; talking to people; texting or calling someone; changing music; doing an activity that keeps your mind busy; going outside. |
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What You'll Learn
Thought loops are common with psychedelic drugs
Thought loops are a common phenomenon when using psychedelic drugs. They are repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions that repeat without conscious control. For example, a person may enter a room, forget why they came, leave, and then re-enter the room, only to forget again why they needed to be there in the first place.
Thought loops can be funny or frustrating, but they need not derail the psychedelic experience with the right mindset. They are temporary and will fade along with the effects of the drug. However, they can be exhausting and scary when they last for several minutes or more.
The cause of thought loops is not well understood, but they may be related to lapses in short-term memory. Brain scans of people under the influence of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic ingredient in magic mushrooms, have shown that the drug causes parts of the brain that are not normally connected to become strongly linked. This may explain why psychedelic compounds can cause thought loops and synaesthesia.
Thought loops can also occur in everyday life, and mushrooms can magnify them. They can be controlled by sitting silently and focusing attention on one's breath. This practice, often called meditation, can make a huge difference in both psychedelic journeys and daily life. Other ways to avoid thought loops include changing one's setting, talking to people, texting or calling a friend, changing music, doing an activity that keeps the mind busy, or going outside.
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They are repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions
"Thought loops" are a common phenomenon when using psychedelic drugs like mushrooms. They are characterised by repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions that occur without conscious control. These loops can manifest as thoughts, actions, or emotions that repeat in a cyclic manner. For example, a person may enter a room, forget why they came, leave, and then repeat the same sequence of events. While thought loops can be frustrating, they can also be funny or even enjoyable, depending on one's mindset.
The experience of thought loops is often associated with lapses in short-term memory. For instance, an individual may repeatedly check their phone, forgetting why they checked it in the first place. This phenomenon may be linked to the way psychedelic substances affect the brain. Brain scans of individuals under the influence of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic ingredient in magic mushrooms, have revealed that the drug causes parts of the brain that are not normally connected to become strongly linked. This may explain why psychedelic compounds can induce thought loops and cause synaesthesia.
Thought loops can be challenging and negatively impact one's experience, especially if they are obsessive or distressing. However, there are strategies to manage and overcome them. One approach is to distract oneself by changing the room, engaging in a new activity, talking to someone, or focusing on one's breath. These techniques can help shift one's perception and snap out" of the loop. Additionally, it is important to note that thought loops are temporary and will fade as the effects of the drug wear off.
While thought loops can occur during psychedelic experiences, they are not limited to drug-induced states. In everyday life, thoughts can also loop, albeit in a more subtle manner. By learning to control these loops in sober states, individuals can develop skills to manage them during psychedelic journeys. This may involve meditation or mindfulness practices that focus on observing thoughts without getting caught up in them.
Thought loops can be a unique aspect of the mushroom experience, and some individuals even find them interesting or enjoyable. However, it is important to approach them with caution, especially if they become obsessive or distressing. By understanding the nature of thought loops and employing appropriate strategies, individuals can navigate their psychedelic experiences more effectively and minimise potential negative impacts.
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They can be funny or frustrating
Thought loops are a common phenomenon when using psychedelic drugs like mushrooms. They are repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions that repeat without conscious control. While they can be a normal part of life, the use of psychoactive substances can amplify these thoughts and make them more persistent and difficult to shake.
Thought loops can be both funny and frustrating, depending on the individual's mental state and the specific content of the loop. For example, one person described a funny thought loop where they kept checking a water bottle for leaks repeatedly, finding the experience hilarious. On the other hand, frustrating thought loops can be obsessive and annoying, such as when someone feels the need to keep checking if a door is locked repeatedly.
The duration of thought loops can vary, lasting from just a few seconds to several minutes or more. They can feel like they are lasting for minutes when, in reality, it has been hours. The deeper one goes into a trip, the harder it can be to snap out of a thought loop. However, some people intentionally choose to ride the thought loops to explore new mental spaces.
To manage thought loops, it is recommended to change one's setting, talk to someone, or engage in activities that keep the mind busy. Some people find meditation or focusing on their breath helpful in controlling thought loops. Additionally, trip sitters can be beneficial in providing distractions and support during a challenging loop.
While thought loops can be a common experience with mushrooms, they can also occur in everyday life, albeit in a more subtle form. By learning to control these loops in daily life, individuals can better manage them during psychedelic journeys.
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They can be snapped out of by engaging in a new activity
Thought loops are a common phenomenon when using psychedelic drugs like mushrooms. These loops are repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions that occur without conscious control and can be a minor annoyance or a major disruption, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes or more. While the specific causes of thought loops are not fully understood, they are believed to be related to lapses in short-term memory and the amplification of feelings and thoughts.
When experiencing a thought loop, it is possible to snap out of it by engaging in a new activity or changing one's setting. This can involve changing rooms, talking with someone, texting or calling a friend, changing the music, or doing an activity that occupies the mind. Keeping oneself busy and changing one's perception can help to break free from the loop.
For example, one person described a thought loop where they kept staring at the doorway to their kitchen, and it started to take on a surreal, painted quality. By moving to a different room and engaging in conversation with a friend, they were able to snap out of the loop. Another individual shared that they closed their eyes, adopted a meditative stance, and focused on their breath to calm their mind and break the cycle of repetitive thoughts.
In addition to external distractions, internal techniques such as meditation or mindfulness practices can be effective. One individual described how they learned to control thought loops by sitting silently and focusing their attention on their breath. When intrusive thoughts arose, they gently redirected their attention back to their breath. With consistent practice, they noticed significant improvements in their ability to manage thought loops during both psychedelic journeys and daily life.
It is important to note that thought loops can be a normal part of life, and everyone encounters strange or unwelcome thoughts from time to time. However, if thought loops become persistent, obsessive, or indicative of underlying mental health conditions, it may be necessary to seek professional help.
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They can be controlled by sitting silently and focusing on one's breath
Thought loops are a common phenomenon when using psychedelic drugs like mushrooms. These "loops" are repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions that repeat without conscious control. They can be a minor annoyance or a symptom of anxiety or OCD. While they are temporary and fade along with the effects of the drug, they can be a challenging and negative experience for some.
Sitting silently and focusing on one's breath is an effective technique to control thought loops. This practice, often referred to as meditation, involves observing one's thoughts without judgment and gently guiding the attention back to the breath when the mind starts to wander. By consistently practising this technique, one can learn to recognise and manage thought loops, both during psychedelic journeys and in everyday life.
To begin, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and undisturbed. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. Thoughts may arise, and that's okay—simply notice them without judgment and gently bring your attention back to your breath.
With practice, you will become more adept at recognising when your mind is wandering and gently guiding it back to the present moment. This skill will serve you well when navigating thought loops during a mushroom trip. Remember, the key is to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them.
In addition to meditation, other strategies can help manage thought loops. These include changing your environment, engaging in activities that occupy your mind, connecting with trusted friends, and participating in new activities that contribute to a positive mindset. It is also important to prepare for and navigate the amplified thoughts and feelings that may arise when using psychoactive substances.
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Frequently asked questions
Thought loops are repetitive, intrusive thoughts or actions that are a normal part of using psychoactive drugs. They are temporary and fade as the effects of the drug wear off.
Thought loops are a common phenomenon when using psychedelic drugs, including mushrooms. They can last from several seconds to a few minutes and can be funny or frustrating.
The hallucinogenic ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, causes parts of the brain that are not normally connected to become strongly linked. This may explain why psychedelic compounds can cause thought loops and synaesthesia.
Yes, some people find that sitting silently and focusing on their breath can help control thought loops. Others suggest changing your setting, doing an activity, or talking to someone to snap out of a thought loop.
Some people believe that thought loops can be a positive part of the psychedelic experience, providing an opportunity to learn or explore new thoughts and feelings. Additionally, research suggests that psychedelic drugs may help fight depression by breaking the brain out of negative thought loops.
