Lately, much of the mainstream media coverage of psychedelic medicine has been overwhelmingly positive—this is no doubt due to the revolutionary clinical trials that have demonstrated their enormous efficacy in the treatment of various mental illnesses. From end-of-life anxiety and PTSD to addiction and depression, psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is being tested for a variety of clinical indications and has demonstrated incredible clinical efficacy. However, something talked about less in psychedelic circles these days is the concept of a “bad trip”. New age healers, if you will, often point out the value of difficult experiences in psychedelic journeys. Some go so far as to claim those moments are in fact “what the [psychedelic experience] is all about”. From treating it pharmacologically to encouraging patients to dive deeper, modern clinicians in the field are exploring plenty of options available to them.
What is a Bad Trip?
Psychedelics are powerful molecules that induce dramatic changes in consciousness and perception of reality in the user. It is not at all uncommon for these drugs to simulate or recreate memories or experiences that invoke fear, anxiety, and agitation. Bad trips are also described as “frightening and unpleasant experiences triggered by psychoactive drugs, such as LSD and psilocybin. They can often lead to mood swings, causing the user to reach new depths of sadness, despair, anxiety, and panic. Users can often feel increased sensations of paranoia and antagonism, often causing them to fear the people around them. This is why having a trusted and the experienced trip sitter or buddy can help go a long way in helping someone maneuver through a challenging psychedelic experience.
Generally, the most intense period of the trip occurs in the first few hours of the experience. As such, simply allowing yourself some time to pass will generally ease the most intense aspects of the experience.
While these experiences can often seem upsetting or frightening, they often pass quickly. Psychedelic enthusiasts often ask the question, “What can I do during a ‘bad trip’?” Luckily, there are several techniques available to help one navigate through a bad trip successfully.
Technique to Navigate Through a “Bad Trip”
There are various techniques and strategies people can use to help them through difficult psychedelic experiences. One common method is to utilize a guide or “trip sitter” during the journey who is preferably sober and can help ground and comfort you during the experience. Other techniques include breathing exercises and meditation, both of which can help the user relax and even shift the direction of their psychedelic journey into something more positive. Lying down and listening to soothing music, especially in the presence of a calm and supportive friend can also be hugely beneficial during a “bad trip”.
Can a Bad Trip Lead to Positive Outcomes? Exploring Insights from Experts
In an informative Q&A with renowned psychedelic scientist, Dr. Roland Griffiths, he explains how facing challenging experiences and adversity can help make one stronger and more resilient. Indeed, many believe the “real work” when taking psychedelics is done during these more difficult moments during the journey, oftentimes when subjects are facing their deepest fears. Griffiths stresses the importance of carefully administering drugs like psilocybin in safe, controlled settings to prevent any dangerous outcomes resulting from so-called “bad trips”. Indeed, Griffiths describes how “an unpleasant, “bad” experience can sometimes lead to positive outcomes”.
Closing Thoughts on “Bad Trips” & How to Approach Them
With psychedelics rapidly growing in popularity, it’s understandable that many people will want to try and take advantage of them. As such, it is expected that more people will eventually experience what has become dubbed as a “bad trip”. It is important to realize that even the most difficult of experiences will pass and eventually the psychedelic drug effects will wear off. Tripsitters, breathing exercises, soothing music, and being in nature are all ways to try and shift the direction of one’s trip towards calmer waters. In the end, many find overcoming these difficult moments helps them better face fears and anxieties in their daily lives.