“I Took Too Much” What to Do When a Psychedelic Experience Feels Overwhelming

If You’re Thinking “I Took Too Much,” You’re Not Alone

“I took too much.”

“When is this going to stop?”

These are among the most common phrases people say when they contact the Fireside Project Psychedelic Support Line. Often, callers reach out in moments of fear, confusion, or panic during a psychedelic experience that, for a wide range of reasons, is more intense or challenging than they expected.

If this is happening to you right now, here’s the most important thing to know: you are not alone, and support is available. Fireside Project cannot tell you how much you took if you are not already aware, or exactly when your experience will end. What we can do is offer calm, compassionate companionship to help you get through the moment safely.

Why Psychedelic Experiences Can Suddenly Feel “Too Much”

Psychedelic experiences are highly sensitive to set and setting, your mental state, expectations, physical environment, and social support. Even small changes can dramatically shift how an experience feels.

People often contact Fireside because the effects feel stronger or longer than expected, fear or panic arises suddenly, thoughts begin looping, or bodily sensations feel overwhelming. In many cases, distress is less about physical danger and more about feeling out of control or uncertain about what’s happening.

This uncertainty can amplify fear, leading people to worry that something is “wrong,” even when the experience itself is not medically dangerous.

Is This a Medical Emergency?

This is a critical question. Not every overwhelming psychedelic experience is a medical emergency, but some situations require immediate medical care.

If someone is unconscious, unresponsive, having trouble breathing, seizing, experiencing chest pain, or at risk of physical harm, call 911 immediately. If there is concern about poisoning, dangerous interactions, or accidental ingestion, the United States National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) can provide real-time guidance.

Fireside Project is not a replacement for emergency services. When medical care is needed, seeking it is the safest option.

Once again, if you are feeling overwhelmed but can breathe, stay conscious, and stay safe, peer support may help. If breathing, consciousness, or safety are compromised, call 911.

What Fireside Project Can Help With

Most people who contact Fireside are not experiencing a medical overdose or other adverse physical event, but rather intense psychological distress. In these moments, having a steady, nonjudgmental presence can make a meaningful difference.

Fireside volunteers provide peer-based emotional support. They help callers slow down, breathe, orient to safety, and feel less alone. Volunteers don’t give dosing advice or attempt to stop the experience, but they will stay present to make sure you aren’t alone while it unfolds.

As we often tell callers: we can’t control the experience, but we can help you feel supported while it moves through.

What the Research Tells Us About Psychedelic Distress (and What’s Changed Since)

In 2023, researchers published the first academic studies examining whether a psychedelic helpline could reduce harm during nonclinical psychedelic experiences, based on Fireside Project’s data. The study analyzed data from 884 callers who contacted the Fireside Project Psychedelic Support Line between April 2021 and September 2022.

The findings showed that 65.9% of callers reported that their helpline conversation helped de-escalate psychological distress. Without that support, 29.3% said they may have been physically or emotionally harmed, 12.5% said they may have called 911, and 10.8% said they may have gone to the emergency room. The data suggested that access to peer-based support could avert harmful outcomes and reduce unnecessary use of emergency medical services.

Importantly, the study found that distress during psychedelic experiences was usually psychological rather than medical. Fear, anxiety, confusion, and overwhelm were common, especially among people who felt unprepared or were using psychedelics alone. Nearly 40% of callers who were actively tripping reported being alone, most often at home.

That research reflects Fireside Project’s early years. Since 2023, Fireside has updated its methods, training, and support pathways and has now served many thousands more callers than those included in the study. New offerings like TripCheck, which allows people to schedule support in advance, are designed to strengthen set and setting before distress escalates. While updated peer-reviewed data is still forthcoming, ongoing trends continue to reinforce the original conclusion: timely human support can meaningfully reduce harm when psychedelic experiences feel overwhelming.

How TripCheck Can Help Before Things Escalate

TripCheck is Fireside Project’s proactive support option. It allows people to schedule a wellness check-in before or during a planned psychedelic experience.

Many of our callers tell us that simply knowing a TripCheck call is scheduled helps them feel calmer and more supported going in. Even when people don’t answer the call, the sense of connection itself can reduce panic if the experience becomes intense.

TripCheck doesn’t guide the experience, but can help create a safer emotional container around it.

What We Can & Can’t Do

It’s important to be clear about Fireside’s role.

We can offer emotional support, grounding, and nonjudgmental presence.

We can’t tell you how much you took if you don’t already know, predict when it will end, or give medical or dosing advice.

These boundaries exist to keep support ethical, safe, and focused on harm reduction rather than instruction.

If You’re in the Middle of It Right Now

If you’re thinking “I took too much” and feeling scared, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, reaching out can help.

Call or text the Fireside Project Psychedelic Support Line at 62-FIRESIDE (623-473-7433).

Or use the Fireside Project app (iOS & Android).

We’re here to meet you where you are, with calm, compassion, and care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dosing

How long will this last?

Every psychedelic experience is different. We can’t predict the timing, but we can stay with you while it unfolds and keep you company.

Should I call 911 if I’m scared?

If there are signs of a medical emergency, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, seizures, or injury, yes. Emotional distress alone does not always require emergency services.

Can Fireside tell me if I took too much?

No. We don’t assess doses or substances. We focus on helping you feel safer and supported.

What if I planned my experience and still feel overwhelmed?

That’s common. TripCheck and the Support Line exist for exactly these moments.

“I took too much” is often a moment of fear, not failure. Psychedelic experiences can be intense and unpredictable, especially without preparation or support. Having a calm, compassionate human presence can make the difference between panic and safety.

Fireside Project exists for these moments. If you need us, reach out. We’re here.