true, they do confuse some, even most people. once you are fully socialized psychedelics become somewhat more difficult to handle. The trick behind not being confused is proper preparation and letting go. Meaning, you must prepare by being in the right set and setting, along with not being on any other drugs (including prescription drugs). weed may be popular while tripping but is counter-productive in a number of different ways. drinking while tripping will guarantee confusion. letting go means allowing the drug to take control, and letting go of all your preconceptions about reality.
The thing about terror and hopelessness brought on by psychedelics is that is how one learns. easy trips are fun, and sometimes allow breakthroughs, but it's in the bad trips where one learns the most. sure, it can be terrifying. but that is how one learns. Terror usually occurs when one is still holding on to one's preconceived notions, holding on to one's "sober" mentality and trying to "keep it together"...when one lets go, the terror goes too. "keeping it together" is a bad, bad idea, because it's impossible, when tripping. that's why trip sitters are recommended. the hopelessness problem is easily solved: remember that it's a drug, and it will pass. if you are concerned about staying insane forever see below.
The key to psychedelic self-therapy lies after the trip, not during. it's all about how you deal with the trip and incorporate the new found knowledge into reality. [psychedelic induced] insanity is nothing but the inability to apply one's new-found sanity to the insane world.
When you have a bad trip, it is best to try to get through it. It's good to have a few valiums/xanax/ativan on hand in case one panics, but it is not reccomended. When a drug like that is administered, it does not stop the trip, only stops the panic. One will continue to have a bad trip, just not as unpleasant anymore. the worst is that the drugs will end up confusing you even more, and will impede psychic recovery after the trip; you wont be able to apply your new-found sanity because you wont remember how you got that way in the first place.