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.

TriggerSolution
Persons around youTrusted or professional tripsitter
MusicPositive music or turn off music
Afraid of the eternal tripThe knowledge that there is a life after the trip
Seeing one's own fearsKnowing that it is only information
Overly intense hallucinationsMore light in the room and taking dextrose
HyperventilationSomeone indicating breathing rhythm
Too much glutamate in the brainIncrease 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.