What is a bad trip?
A bad trip is a psychedelic experience with or without hallucinations that is primarily perceived as scary, so post-trip anxiety may persist for a long time. Prolonged suspicion and negative feelings can also qualify as a bad trip. A bad trip, in our opinion, is not and psychedelic session that may be briefly uncomfortable or frightening at first and can provide valuable information and insights afterwards.
Also read how bad trips can be positive
What causes a bad trip?
There are several factors that can cause a trip to become a bad trip and these factors often have to do with intention, expectation and location (set and setting). Also, there are certain mental conditions that significantly increase the chances of a bad trip and thus can worsen the condition. Individuals with the following conditions are better off not using psychedelics.
- Borderline
- Psychosis susceptibility
- Schizophrenia
- Severe anxiety disorders
The following conditions and solutions can trigger and remedy bad trips.
| Trigger | Solution |
|---|---|
| Persons around you | Trusted or professional tripsitter |
| Music | Positive music or turn off music |
| Afraid of the eternal trip | The knowledge that there is a life after the trip |
| Seeing one's own fears | Knowing that it is only information |
| Overly intense hallucinations | More light in the room and taking dextrose |
| Hyperventilation | Someone indicating breathing rhythm |
| Too much glutamate in the brain | Increase GABA in advance of the trip |
A good trip
Bad trips almost never occur if proper supervision is present. The presence of a professional trip sitter is often reason enough to go into the session calm, composed and confident. Also, good preparation can do the psychedelic session a lot of good. One study already showed that elevated glutamate in the hippocampus could be an indicator of a bad trip. By doing a neurotransmitter test beforehand and getting the neurochemistry in balance based on that, the chance of a good trip increases considerably.
Do you want a good trip?
Through an intake and questionnaire we look at how to get your neurochemistry optimal through supplements and nutrition for a positive trip. We can also give you tips to read certain books or watch videos to prepare your mindset for a psychedelic session in the right setting.
