Sarah Brown
A magic mushroom trip refers to the effects of a moderate to large dose of psilocybin/psilocin, the active compounds in Psilocybe mushrooms that cause a high. While most trips remain in the realm of reality, they can be uncomfortable and even unsafe, especially for those with pre-existing mental health issues. The term bad trip refers to challenging psychedelic experiences that can lead to distress, agitation, and even psychosis. While there are no quick fixes to end a bad trip, there are strategies to help one get through it, such as staying hydrated, having snacks on hand, and tripping with a supportive friend in a safe, natural environment. In addition, possessing knowledge about dealing with a bad trip is likely to give one a feeling of safety and reduce the chances of one occurring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | The bulk of a mushroom trip lasts between 3–4 hours, with the effects dwindling in the two hours or so following this period. |
| Afterglow | Most people report a comfortable, sleepy feeling after the trip ends. |
| Trip-killers | Drugs such as benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, herbal remedies, and prescribed sleeping pills are used to cut short or lessen the intensity of a bad trip. |
| Side effects of trip-killers | Overdose, low blood pressure, respiratory depression, and stopping or slowing of breathing. |
| Preventing a bad trip | Choose a safe, peaceful place to hang out, be in the right frame of mind, and plan your trip. |
| Set and setting | The mindset of the person using the substance and the physical and social environment in which the substance is taken play critical roles. |
| Dosage | Higher doses of psychedelics are more likely to lead to overwhelming experiences. |
| Brain chemistry | Psychedelics alter brain activity by influencing serotonin receptors, leading to intense changes in perception, mood, and cognition. |
| Underlying psychological conditions | People with pre-existing mental health issues may be more susceptible to bad trips, as psychedelics can bring unresolved fears, traumas, or negative thoughts to the surface. |
| Grounding techniques | Staying hydrated, having snacks on hand, tripping with a good, supportive friend, and switching up your scenery. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid mixing with other substances
Mixing psilocybin ('magic') mushrooms with other substances can be extremely dangerous and is best avoided. The effects of combining mushrooms with other drugs or alcohol are unpredictable and may vary from person to person. Mixing mushrooms with alcohol can cause nausea, panic attacks, and negative emotions, and may increase the risk of a ""bad trip". It is also unclear how much alcohol is safe to consume with mushrooms. Doctors do not recommend mixing alcohol with any other drug.
Mushrooms are also known to interact badly with stimulants, as both can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Combining mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, as large amounts of alcohol can cause a loss of coordination and lower inhibitions. This, combined with the perception-distorting effects of mushrooms, can be dangerous. Psilocybin may also increase the depressing effect of opioids on the central nervous system, causing loss of coordination, confusion, and drowsiness. In more severe cases, it could cause the user's breathing and heart to slow down or even stop.
Mushrooms should not be mixed with any other substance that acts on serotonin, such as other hallucinogens and antidepressants, as this could lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. Antidepressant users who have taken mushrooms are at particular risk of serotonin syndrome. Those taking psychiatric medication should also avoid mushrooms, as they may cause a relapse or worsening of their condition.
Some people take benzodiazepines like Valium to prevent bad trips when taking mushrooms and other hallucinogens, but these drugs can be addictive and have been implicated in overdose deaths. They can also cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and respiratory depression (shallow or stopped breathing).
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Stay hydrated and eat snacks
Staying hydrated is essential when counteracting a mushroom trip. Chugging water is not as effective as drinking it gradually over a few hours, so it is important to prepare ahead of time. Water, coconut water, and non-caffeinated teas are good options. Dehydration can intensify the effects of mushrooms and lead to an unpleasant experience. Electrolytes and minerals can also help improve your overall health, promote nerve activity, stabilise mood, and support emotional well-being.
Eating snacks is also important when counteracting a mushroom trip. You may not feel like eating, but it is a good idea to get nutrients into your body. Soup, toast, and fruit are good options, but nothing too heavy. Some people report that food is not a concern during the trip, but it is important to have snacks available. Fruits, vegetables, trail mix, and protein bars are great options as they are easy to eat, tasty, and easy on the stomach. They won't dry out your mouth or be hard to digest. It is important to avoid foods that are difficult to chew, swallow, or digest.
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Trip with a supportive friend
While it is not possible to immediately stop the effects of a mushroom trip, there are ways to manage it and make the experience more comfortable. Tripping with a supportive friend can be very helpful if you ever feel overwhelmed.
Firstly, it is important to plan your trip. Choose a safe and peaceful place to hang out, as most trips last 8-12 hours. Discuss with your friend beforehand about things you can do if you have a bad trip. Make sure you are in the right frame of mind, and be aware that using hallucinogens can be scary if you try to control the experience rather than "roll with it". Avoid mirrors, climbing on things, or having sex with someone who is not a familiar partner.
If you begin to have a bad trip, your friend can calmly support you throughout by reminding you that you are in a safe place and that the effects will pass. They can help you to meditate or relax, and make sure you are well-hydrated and have snacks on hand. They can also change the music, take you for a walk, or suggest a change of scenery if that would help. If you are outdoors, nature can be very comforting during a mushroom trip.
If you are supporting a friend through a bad trip, it is important to remain calm and empathetic. Offer to move them to a quiet, comfortable place away from crowds, loud music, and bright lights. Ask what would make them most comfortable and offer blankets and water. Reassure them that you are their friend and that the experience will pass. Encourage them to explore what is happening without resisting it, and let them know that you are there for them.
If you or your friend are having a bad trip, it may be helpful to reach out to a harm reduction organization such as the Zendo Project, which provides on-site psychedelic safe spaces at music festivals with trained "sitters" who can talk you through a difficult experience.
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Try natural remedies like chamomile tea
While there is no proven way to stop a mushroom trip once it has started, there are some natural remedies that may help to reduce the effects of a "bad trip". Chamomile tea is one such remedy that has been suggested by some users.
Chamomile tea is made from the chamomile plant's small flowers, which are dried and steeped in water. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, with potential benefits including anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, and anti-anxiety properties. These properties may help to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation, which could be useful during a mushroom trip. However, it is important to note that pregnant people or those with allergies should avoid chamomile tea, and it should not replace medical treatments for serious illnesses.
Some people have shared their experiences with using chamomile tea during a mushroom trip. One person shared that they accidentally made chamomile tea while intending to make chai, and they found that the chamomile helped to mellow out their trip. Another person suggested that chamomile tea may be useful as a "trip reducer" but not a "trip killer". They also mentioned that combining chamomile with other substances like kratom might help to bring down the intensity of the trip.
In addition to chamomile tea, there are other natural remedies that may be helpful during a mushroom trip. Being outdoors in nature can be comforting, as mushrooms often enhance people's connection to the natural world. Staying hydrated, having snacks, and changing your scenery by going for a walk or taking a shower can also help to ground and calm yourself.
While these natural remedies may provide some relief during a mushroom trip, it is important to remember that the best way to get through a bad trip is often to accept and embrace the experience. Challenging times can lead to personal growth, and a bad trip may offer meaningful insights and understanding about your life.
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Seek professional help from services like Beckley Retreats
While there are some suggestions online about how to counteract a mushroom trip, seeking professional help from services like Beckley Retreats is a safer option.
Beckley Retreats is a trailblazer in the field of psychedelic retreats, offering legal, luxurious, and supportive experiences in Jamaica and the Netherlands. Their programmes are centred around two psilocybin ceremonies, with breathwork, meditation, and psychotherapy tools. The psilocybin is consumed as a carefully measured tea.
The retreats are integrative health programmes that blend Western science, indigenous wisdom, and holistic healing practices. They are designed to meet people where they are on their journey of personal growth, with rigorous screening, expert facilitation, and post-retreat integration. The small group retreats (10-15 people) take place in peaceful, secluded estates, and participants are offered group sessions, one-on-one support, guided activities, and educational resources.
Beckley Retreats is backed by over two decades of research initiated by the late Amanda Feilding, founder of the Beckley Foundation and pioneer of global drug policy reform. The foundation is a think tank and NGO dedicated to furthering psychedelic research and advocating for policy reform.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is difficult to stop a mushroom trip once it has started, there are some things you can do to ground and calm yourself. This includes staying hydrated, having snacks on hand, and tripping with a good, supportive friend. You could also try switching up your environment by changing the music, going for a walk, taking a shower, or crying.
Trip killers are additional mind-altering drugs that can be taken to cut short or lessen the intensity of a bad trip. These include benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, herbal remedies, and prescribed sleeping pills. However, doctors warn that these drugs can be harmful and may have serious side effects.
Before taking mushrooms, it is important to plan ahead and be in the right frame of mind. This includes considering your mindset and intention for the trip, as well as choosing a safe and peaceful place to hang out. It is also recommended to check your drugs using test strips or a drug-checking service, and to trip with a friend who can help you if you have a bad trip.
