Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are one of the safest and most well-tolerated entheogenic compounds when used in appropriate doses. However, they are still potent psychoactive substances that can induce a bad trip. A bad trip can be influenced by the mindset of the user, the physical and social environment, the dose, and the user's experience level. During a bad trip, the user may experience distress, agitation, or even psychosis. While there are trip killers such as benzodiazepines and antipsychotics that can be used to cut short a bad trip, these drugs come with their own risks and side effects. Instead, there are several techniques to help ground oneself during a bad trip, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and finding a safe and peaceful environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mindset | Positive |
| Environment | Safe, peaceful |
| Company | Familiar, non-tripping friend |
| Duration | 8-12 hours |
| Dose | Low |
| Experience | Familiarity with psychedelics |
| Music | Calming |
| Meditation | Yes |
| Breathing exercises | Deep, controlled breaths |
| Drug intervention | Benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants |
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What You'll Learn
Ensure a safe, calm environment with peaceful music
If you or someone else is having a bad mushroom trip, it's important to remember that it will eventually come to an end. Allowing the trip to run its course can be challenging, but it's often the best approach. It is also important to stay calm and exercise patience, as stress and panic will amplify the worst effects of the trip.
To help ease the discomfort, creating a safe and calm environment with peaceful music is essential. Here are some tips to ensure such an environment:
Choose a peaceful location
Find a quiet, comfortable, and safe place where you or the person tripping can relax and feel secure. This can be done before the trip to make the experience much richer.
Play peaceful music
Play calming music in the background. This can be soothing classical music, Spanish guitar strums, or oldies like "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. These melodies have the power to unlock elevated states of consciousness.
Make the space cosy
Make the environment cosy and peaceful. This could be done by using a warm blanket, a pillow, or a soothing essential oil like lavender.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can exacerbate trip anxiety, so it is important to stay hydrated. Drinking water can also serve as a welcome distraction, as you can focus on the sensation of the water in your mouth and throat.
Avoid caffeine
Stay away from caffeine as it will increase feelings of racing thoughts, panic, and anxiety.
Seek social support
Reach out to a trusted friend or family member for reassurance and guidance. It is recommended to have a trip sitter, someone who is not under the influence of drugs, to help navigate the challenges of the trip.
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Surrender to the experience, don't fight it
Surrendering to a mushroom trip is about letting go of control and trusting in the process. It is important to remember that you don't get to choose where the "ride" goes, and that trying to control it can make the experience more challenging. Instead of resisting, try to go with the flow and accept what is happening.
Before embarking on a psychedelic journey, it is crucial to ensure that you are in the right mindset ('set') and that the physical and social environment ('setting') is comfortable and safe. This can help reduce the chances of a negative experience.
During the trip, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or anxious, try to bring awareness to your body, mind, and emotions. Notice any tension and identify areas where you may be struggling to surrender. Instead of trying to stop the experience, work through it and reframe your goal. Surrendering becomes easier when you feel safe, so consider what would make you feel secure, such as the presence of a trusted friend, wrapping yourself in blankets, or listening to familiar music.
Breathing exercises can also help to calm and ground yourself during a challenging experience. Take deep, controlled breaths to reduce anxiety and remind yourself that the experience is temporary and will pass. It is helpful to have someone sit with you and offer gentle reassurance if needed.
Remember that surrendering is not the same as giving up. It is about embracing the unknown and trusting that you will be supported and held through the experience. By surrendering to the mushroom trip, you can turn towards your experience rather than away from it, fostering a sense of trust, receptivity, and curiosity.
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Breathing exercises can help to calm the mind
While the use of magic mushrooms or psilocybin can be a positive experience, it can also lead to a "bad trip". A bad trip can be caused by a negative mood, unresolved psychological issues, or an uncomfortable environment. This can heighten anxiety or fear, leading to feelings of losing control or identity.
If you find yourself in the midst of a challenging experience, breathing exercises can help to calm the mind. Deep, controlled breaths can reduce anxiety and help you regain a sense of control. Here are some specific techniques to try:
Deep Belly Breathing: This technique involves slow, deep breaths that fill your belly and chest with air. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your belly expand, then your chest. Hold the breath for a moment, then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Repeat this cycle, focusing on the sensation of the breath and the rise and fall of your hands.
Equal Ratio Breathing: This technique uses a specific ratio of inhalation, hold, and exhalation to promote calmness. Start by taking a deep breath in through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of four, then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four. Repeat this cycle, focusing on keeping the ratio consistent. You can adjust the count to find a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Alternate Nostril Breathing: This technique helps to calm the mind and promote balance. Start by sitting in a comfortable position and gently closing your right nostril with your thumb. Inhale slowly through your left nostril for a count of four. Then, close your left nostril with your ring finger and release your thumb, exhaling through your right nostril for a count of four. Inhale through the right nostril for a count of four, then close it and release your left nostril, exhaling through the left side. Continue alternating, focusing on slow, steady breaths.
These breathing exercises can help to ground you during a challenging mushroom trip. They promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of control over your body and mind. Remember, it is always important to have a sober buddy present when using psychedelics, and to choose a safe, peaceful environment to reduce the risk of a bad trip.
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Plan your trip and be in the right frame of mind
Planning your trip and being in the right frame of mind are crucial to having a good mushroom trip. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you prepare:
Set your intentions
It's important to think about what you want to explore and learn from the experience beforehand. Write down your intentions in a notebook, as this will help solidify your goals for the trip. However, it's also crucial to have an open mind, as the experience may take you in a different direction than expected. Surrendering to the moment and staying open to the peaks and valleys of the trip can help transform a challenging experience into one of learning and growth.
Choose a safe and comfortable environment
Select a calm, safe, and peaceful place to trip, ensuring you will be undisturbed for the duration (usually 6-8 hours). A cluttered or messy environment can conflict with your mindset, so consider tidying up beforehand. Having a comfortable space to sit and lie down, such as a bed or sofa, with pillows and blankets nearby, is ideal.
Prepare your body and mind
Start preparing your body and mind at least one week in advance. Refrain from alcohol and other substances, as they can interfere with your experience. On the day of your trip, eat a light breakfast of fruits and consider fasting 2-6 hours before to go in with a light and open body. Engage in activities that promote a calm and clear mindset, such as meditation or spending time in nature (forest bathing).
Have a trip sitter
Having a friend or trip sitter around to watch over you can be beneficial, especially someone who has experience with psychedelics. They can provide a steady and supportive presence and help you feel safe and comfortable.
Prepare music and other items
Music is a powerful tool during a trip, and you may want to prepare a 4-6 hour mix of your favourite songs. Other items to have on hand include art supplies, a notebook for journaling, and water.
Remember, the key to a positive mushroom trip is going in with a positive mindset and creating a safe, comfortable environment to surrender to the experience.
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Avoid mirrors, climbing, and unfamiliar partners
While on a mushroom trip, it is important to avoid mirrors, climbing, and unfamiliar partners. Here's why:
Mirrors
Psychedelics can cause changes in a person's perception of reality, and mirrors can significantly amplify these effects. When under the influence of mushrooms, individuals may experience their facial features morphing and looking distorted. As a result, looking at oneself in a mirror during a trip can be an unnerving experience. This is especially true if the person struggles with self-esteem issues or body dysmorphia, as they may see their body change sizes and shapes, triggering negative thoughts and emotions. It is easy to become fixated on one's reflection and lose track of time, which can be disorienting and potentially lead to feelings of anxiety or panic.
Climbing
Mushroom trips can alter one's perception of depth and distance, affecting coordination and balance. Climbing on things while under the influence of mushrooms increases the risk of falling and sustaining injuries. It is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid activities that require physical coordination and balance, especially in unfamiliar or crowded spaces.
Unfamiliar partners
Engaging in intimate activities with unfamiliar partners during a mushroom trip is not advisable. The altered state of consciousness induced by mushrooms can impair judgment and decision-making abilities. It is important to be with a trusted partner who can provide support and assistance if needed. Additionally, the intense sensory experiences and emotional vulnerability associated with mushroom trips can lead to unexpected outcomes and potentially unpleasant or unsafe situations with unfamiliar partners.
In general, it is important to approach mushroom trips with caution and to prioritize harm reduction. This includes choosing a safe and comfortable environment, staying hydrated, and being in the company of trusted individuals who can provide support and de-escalate any challenging situations that may arise.
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Frequently asked questions
Try to meditate or relax, and play some calming music. Surrender to the experience and remember that it will pass.
Trip killers are additional mind-altering drugs that are taken to lessen the intensity of a bad trip. They can include anxiolytics like Xanax and Valium, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines.
Doctors warn that trip killers are potentially harmful and addictive. They can cause side effects such as over-sedation, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression.
The chances of a bad trip are higher if you are in a negative mood, have unresolved psychological issues, or are in an uncomfortable environment. Higher doses of psychedelics are also more likely to lead to overwhelming experiences.
It is important to be in the right frame of mind and choose a safe, peaceful place to take mushrooms. Avoid using other substances like cannabis or alcohol, as they can change your experience in unpredictable ways.
