The journey doesn’t end when the medicine wears off. For many, it’s just beginning.

If someone close to you has just completed a psychedelic experience, you might feel unsure of how to support them. Should you ask questions? Give advice? Leave them alone? Lean in? The truth is, there’s no script—but there are ways to show up that can make all the difference.

This guide is for the friends, partners, siblings, and chosen family. For those who want to help, but don’t want to get in the way. For those who know something sacred just happened, even if they don’t understand all the details.

1. Don’t rush the story.
What’s unfolding is likely tender, nonlinear, and still integrating. They might not have words yet. Or they might want to tell you everything and then retreat into silence. All of it is normal. Try to let their pace set the rhythm. You don’t need the whole picture to be supportive.

2. Ask how they’d like to be supported.
Rather than guessing, ask gently: "What kind of support feels good right now? Do you want to talk, rest, move your body, or just be together?" Sometimes the best help is simply showing that you’re available and non-intrusive.

3. Avoid interpretation.
Even with the best intentions, trying to "figure out" their experience can pull them out of it. Instead of saying, "It sounds like this means X," try "What did that part feel like for you?" or "Is there anything from the experience that still feels present?" Stay curious, not conclusive.

4. Presence over problem-solving.
Psychedelic integration isn’t about fixing. It’s about listening, letting things settle, and allowing what was seen or felt to ripple into everyday life. Your calm presence—especially when they don’t know what they need—can be far more healing than any advice.

5. Watch for overwhelm.
Even if the journey was beautiful, integration can stir a lot: grief, confusion, anxiety, tenderness. Help create a grounded environment. Gentle meals, walks, or simply a quiet presence can be regulating. Let them know it’s okay to not be okay—and okay to be radiant too.

6. Respect the mystery.
You don’t have to understand everything they experienced. You just have to care. Some parts of the journey may stay unspoken, not because they’re being hidden, but because they don’t yet have language. Trust that your presence matters, even when there are no words.

A Final Note
Supporting someone after a journey is its own kind of sacred role. You become part of the container that helps their insights take root. You don’t need to be perfect. Just real. Just kind. Just steady.

If you ever need support yourself—to process your role, your worries, or your questions—there are resources for you, too. You don’t have to hold it all alone.

And to those walking beside someone brave enough to step into the unknown: thank you. You’re part of the medicine too.