Imagine that you are going on a psychedelic trip and expect a world full of colors and insights, but instead you end up in a storm of fear and confusion. That’s what we call a bad trip. It sounds scary, but don’t worry: you are not alone, and there are ways to get through this!
What is a bad trip actually?
A bad trip is a negative experience that occurs during the use of psychedelics. This can mean that you suffer from anxiety, confusion, panic, or even feelings of paranoia. It is important to understand that this is a reaction of your own mind. Everything you experience is caused by your own thoughts and emotions that are amplified by the psychedelics.
Tip: Always remember that a bad trip is temporary. No matter what you feel, it will pass.
What should you do if you have a bad trip?
The most important thing to remember if you find yourself in a bad trip is that you are safe. The feeling of anxiety can be very intense, but in the end, it's only your thoughts and feelings that get out of hand due to the influence of the psychedelics. Try to reassure yourself by breathing in and out calmly and deeply. If you feel yourself starting to panic, look for something or someone that can help you calm down. For example, put on a playlist with calm, soothing music. Music can work wonders to shift your focus from anxious thoughts to something positive. Also, ask a trusted friend to be with you. Being alone during a bad trip can intensify feelings of fear and isolation, while a reassuring presence can bring calm.
Below you will find a handy table with things you should and shouldn't do:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Breathe deeply | Panicking |
| Listen to calming music | Take more psychedelics |
| Repeat positive affirmations | Stay alone |
What happens if you are in a bad trip?
During a bad trip, it feels like all the negative thoughts you have are suddenly magnified. It can feel like you have no control over what is happening, but it is important to understand that everything you feel is caused by your own mind. It is not reality, even though it feels that way. Try to remind yourself that this feeling is temporary and that it will eventually pass.
Quote: "This is just temporary, it will pass." – This phrase can greatly help to calm yourself and remind you that the experience has a beginning, middle, and end.
How do you get out of a bad trip as quickly as possible?
Sometimes you want nothing more than to get out of a bad trip as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is by focusing on your surroundings and finding something that calms you. These can be small things like feeling a soft blanket or listening to a calm song. Try to engage your senses:
- Smell something you like, such as a scented candle.
- Feel a familiar object, like a stuffed animal or a soft blanket.
- Listen to soothing music that helps you relax.
- Look at something visually calming, such as nature images.
Sometimes moving can also help. Walk around the room, go outside for some fresh air, or simply change your posture. Movement helps you to pull yourself out of the negative spiral you have found yourself in.
People around you, so-called trip sitters, can also play an important role. A trip sitter is someone who remains sober and can help you stay calm during a psychedelic experience. They can reassure you, help you focus on something positive, and ensure that your environment remains safe and comfortable.
Additionally, there are so-called trip stoppers. These are substances specifically developed to calm or stop a psychedelic trip. They often contain a combination of valerian and other natural ingredients that help with relaxation. Trip stoppers can help to take the edge off a bad trip and bring you back to a state of calm more quickly. It’s always good to have a trip stopper on hand if you plan to use psychedelics, so you have a tool available in case of an emergency.
What should you do if someone else is having a bad trip?
When someone else is having a bad trip, your role is crucial. You can help make the experience less frightening by staying calm and being reassuring yourself. The most important thing is to let the person know that they are safe and that what they are feeling is temporary. Use a calm voice, stay close, and provide a safe environment. Avoid bright lights and loud noises, as these can exacerbate anxiety. Play soothing music, offer something soft to hold, and remind them that they are not alone. Be patient and try not to judge.
Here are some things you can do:
- Provide a calm, safe environment.
- Play soothing music.
- Remind them that the trip is temporary and that they are safe.
Tip: Avoid comments like "don't be dramatic" or "there's something wrong with you." This can actually increase anxiety. Stay positive and supportive.
How do you recognize a bad trip?
A bad trip is usually not difficult to recognize. Often, someone having a bad trip shows clear signs of anxiety or panic. This can range from rapid breathing and sweating to confusion and even crying. They may become restless, make unusual statements, or seem as if they have lost touch with reality.
- Anxious or panicked statements – Pay attention to what they say, such as: "I feel like I will never be normal again."
- Restlessness or nervousness – People in a bad trip may have trouble staying still.
- Loss of sense of reality – They may no longer be able to distinguish well between what is real and what is not.
- Excessive sweating or rapid breathing – These are often physical reactions to anxiety.
The most important thing is to remain calm and guide them in a reassuring manner.
Can you get stuck in a bad trip?
Many people are afraid that they can get stuck in a bad trip, that they will never return to the “normal” world. Although it is very rare, it can happen that someone experiences long-term negative effects after a bad trip, such as anxiety or depressive feelings. This is often referred to as a psychological aftereffect. For some people, these feelings can linger, especially if they are already sensitive to psychological issues. It is important to know that most people eventually recover, but this can take time and support. If you notice that you are suffering from negative feelings for a long time after a bad trip, it is wise to talk to a professional.
Tip: After a bad trip, it is important to take extra good care of yourself: rest, eat healthy, and talk to someone you trust.
How long can you be affected by a bad trip?
The aftermath of a bad trip can be different for everyone. For most people, the most intense feelings last a few hours, until the psychedelics have worn off. However, it can happen that someone feels restless for a few more days or that some anxious thoughts linger. This is normal and usually goes away on its own.
- Directly after the trip – The intense emotions usually last a few hours.
- Several days later – It is possible that you still experience some aftereffects, such as restlessness or anxious thoughts.
It is important to give yourself time to recover after a bad trip. Do things that make you happy, take rest, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Sometimes it helps to write down your experience. This can help you process the experience and let it go. Remember: a bad trip is not the end of the world, even though it may feel that way at the time.
Conclusion
A bad trip can be one of the most frightening experiences someone can have during a psychedelic journey. But it is important to remember that it is temporary and that you will get through it. By staying calm, reassuring yourself, and creating a safe environment, you can make a big difference, both for yourself and for others who are going through a bad trip. The most important thing is to know that you are not alone.
With the right preparation and knowledge, you can not only survive a bad trip but even come out stronger. Always remember: this will pass, and you can get through this.
