What is a bad trip?
A bad trip is a psychedelic experience with or without hallucinations that is mainly experienced as scary, causing fears to persist for a long time after a trip. Long-term suspicion and negative feelings can also be classified as a bad trip. In our opinion, a bad trip is not a psychedelic session that can be uncomfortable or frightening in the beginning and that can then provide valuable information and insights.
Also read how bad trips can be positive
What makes for a bad trip?
There are several factors that ensure that a trip can become a bad trip and these factors often have to do with the intention, expectation and location (set and setting). There are also certain psychological conditions that significantly increase the risk of a bad trip and can therefore worsen the condition. People with the following conditions should not use psychedelics.
- Borderline
- Psychosis sensitivity
- Schizophrenia
- Severe anxiety disorders
The following conditions and solutions can trigger and remedy bad trips.
| Trigger | Solution |
|---|---|
| People in your area | Trusted or professional tripsitter |
| Music | More positive music or turning off music |
| Afraid of the eternal trip | The knowledge that there is life after the trip |
| Seeing one's own fears | Know that it is just information |
| Hallucinations that are too intense | More light in the room and take dextrose |
| Hyperventilation | Someone who indicates breathing rhythm |
| Too much glutamate in the brain | Increase GABA before the trip |
A good trip
Bad trips almost never occur if good guidance is available. The presence of a professional tripsitter is often reason enough to enter the session calmly, calmly and confidently. Good preparation can also benefit the psychedelic session a lot. A study already showed that increased glutamate in the hippocampus could be an indicator of a bad trip. By taking a neurotransmitter test in advance and balancing the neurochemistry based on this, the chance of a good trip increases significantly.
Do you want a good trip?
Through an intake and questionnaire, we look at how you can optimize your neurochemistry for a positive trip through supplements and nutrition. We can also give you tips to read certain books or watch videos to prepare the mindset for a psychedelic session in your right setting.
