Health Canada says some users may have frequent or overly intense psychedelic events that may bring on abrupt flashbacks, in which a previous experience is relived. CAMH says rare flashbacks can replay the experience days, weeks or even years later.
Researchers find the word slippery. A 2003 review said flashbacks had been defined so inconsistently that many older studies are hard to interpret (Halpern and Pope, 200300306-x)). A 2017 review reported estimates for transient flashbacks ranging from 5% to 50% of hallucinogen users, a spread that mostly reflects different definitions, and noted that DSM-IV-TR used the label “Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder (Flashbacks)” (Orsolini et al., 2017).
A flashback is not by itself a disorder. When perceptual symptoms persist and cause distress or impairment, clinicians consider HPPD instead. Lasting changes in perception can have other causes, so they are a question for a doctor. This is not medical advice.
General information, not medical advice. In an emergency in Canada, call 911. For a mental-health crisis, call or text 9-8-8.
Sources
- Health Canada: Psilocybin and psilocin (magic mushrooms)
- CAMH: Hallucinogens
- Halpern and Pope (2003), Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
- Orsolini et al. (2017), The ‘Endless Trip’ among the NPS users
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