Emma Wilson
Taking magic mushrooms can be a fun, spiritual, or educational experience, but it can also be scary. To ensure you have a positive and profound mushroom trip, it's important to plan ahead and create a safe and comfortable environment. This includes choosing a peaceful location, having a sober friend to watch over you, and preparing any supplies you may need, such as water, music, and a notebook. It's also crucial to be in the right frame of mind and embrace the experience, surrendering to the journey rather than trying to control it. After the trip, allow yourself a few days to process and integrate the experience through activities such as journaling, spending time in nature, or talking to someone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mindset | Positive, open-minded |
| Setting | Safe, comfortable, calm |
| Company | A friend, preferably with tripping experience |
| Substances | Avoid mixing with other substances |
| Activities | Music, art, yoga, meditation, journalling |
| Duration | 4-12 hours |
| Planning | Prepare essentials, have a game plan for support |
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What You'll Learn
Have a friend around to watch over you, especially if they've tripped before
Having a friend around when you're tripping on mushrooms can be very beneficial, especially if they've tripped before. This person is often referred to as a "trip sitter". They can help you if you get injured or have a bad trip, and they can also help you meditate or relax.
Your trip sitter should be someone you know and trust and feel safe and comfortable with. It's important to choose someone who won't be tripping themselves. They can help you prepare for your trip by gathering supplies like water, music, and art materials. They can also help you create a safe and comfortable environment, whether that's at home or outdoors.
If you're planning to trip outdoors, your friend can keep an eye on the environment and any potential risks, as you may not be attentive to these things while you're in an altered state of mind. They can also help you regulate your body temperature, which can fluctuate when you're having a psychedelic experience.
It's a good idea to talk to your friend beforehand about things you can do if you have a bad trip. They can reassure you that the experience will pass and help you change your setting if needed. Having a friend who's experienced with psychedelics can be especially helpful in navigating any challenges that may arise.
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Choose a safe, peaceful place to hang out
When choosing a safe, peaceful place to hang out during a mushroom trip, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide whether you prefer to take psychedelics alone or with friends or peers. If you prefer to trip alone, your home can provide the safety and security you need. On the other hand, if you want to trip with others, opt for a familiar yet conducive setting.
If you choose to take mushrooms indoors, select a clean and uncluttered space with easy access to a toilet and a comfortable couch or bed nearby. Surround yourself with soft pillows and blankets to ensure optimal comfort. You can also set up a stereo system and play music to enhance your experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer to be outdoors, find an open space where you can feel free and unconstrained. Bring a blanket, pillows, and some earphones to listen to music if you need a moment to lie down and compose yourself. Being outdoors provides ample space to move around and fully absorb the effects of the mushrooms.
Regardless of your setting, it is crucial to prioritize safety and comfort. Ensure you have access to water, snacks, and other essentials. Having a friend or a "sober sitter," especially someone with tripping experience, can provide additional support and help you feel safe.
Remember, the key is to create a peaceful and secure environment that aligns with your preferences and makes you feel at ease during your mushroom trip.
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Avoid mixing substances
While magic mushrooms have the lowest risk profile of any recreational drug when taken on their own, they are significantly more dangerous when taken with other substances, both illicit and prescribed. Mixing substances can lead to unpredictable and intensified effects, side effects, and risks. It is also unclear how much of the second substance is safe in combination with shrooms. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to one substance at a time.
For example, psilocybin, the active drug in shrooms, interacts with alcohol in a way that can affect the brain similarly to shrooms. Drinking too much alcohol can change a person's mood and behaviour, and it can cause trouble with memory and motor control. Combining the two can make it more difficult to think clearly. It may also increase the risk of a "bad trip", which can include hallucinations and frightening emotions.
Magic mushrooms should also not be taken with any other substance that acts on serotonin, such as other hallucinogens and antidepressants. Psilocybin acts similarly to modern antidepressants, primarily by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and binding to some of the same serotonin receptors. Taking them together could lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
Additionally, magic mushrooms and some psychiatric medications should not be mixed. Taking mushrooms while on psychiatric medications can cause a relapse or worsening of the condition. They also interact particularly badly with stimulants, as both can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
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Prepare everything you'll need, like water, music, and art supplies
It is important to prepare everything you'll need before taking psilocybin mushrooms. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary, and users may experience changes in perception, mood swings, and introspective insights. The onset typically begins within 20 to 40 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.
Water
Staying hydrated is crucial during a mushroom trip. Make sure to have a water bottle accessible and consume light, non-alcoholic beverages. Drinking enough water is important for your health and can help prevent a bad trip. It is recommended to drink a couple more glasses of water than usual before the trip and always have access to water during the experience.
Music
Music can be a wonderful addition to your mushroom trip. Prepare a music playlist beforehand with tunes from the '60s or songs you enjoy. Music can also be helpful during the trip if you experience any anxiety or frightening hallucinations. Listening to soothing music can be a calming technique to mitigate the severity of a bad trip.
Art Supplies
Art supplies, such as a sketchpad, notebook, or canvas, can be great tools for expression and introspection during a mushroom trip. Many people find that engaging in creative activities like drawing, writing, or playing music allows them to explore and visualize their feelings and abstract ideas. Art supplies can also be useful for integration after the trip, as journaling and artistic creation can help with reflection and solidifying the transformative aspects of the experience.
In addition to these items, it is also important to have access to food, a comfortable and safe environment, and a sober trip sitter who can provide support and reassurance. Preparing for a mushroom trip includes not only gathering the necessary items but also creating a positive mindset and choosing a suitable environment.
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Plan for how you're going to integrate the experience afterward
Planning to integrate your mushroom trip experience afterward is crucial to ensure that you can reap the benefits of the trip and avoid potential trauma. Here is a detailed plan to help you integrate your experience effectively:
Mind
For your mental well-being, consider activities such as journalling, artistic creation (drawing, painting, etc.), therapy, meditation, and breathwork. Journalling and artistic creation can help you process and make sense of your trip, while therapy can provide a safe space to explore any insights or challenges that arose during your experience. Meditation and breathwork can assist in grounding and calming your mind, integrating your experiences with mindful presence.
Body
Taking care of your physical body is essential. Engage in activities like yoga, dance, martial arts, or simply rest and allow your body to recover. Yoga and dance can help you embody and integrate your experiences through movement and self-expression, while martial arts can provide a sense of discipline and focus. Adequate rest is crucial to give your body time to recuperate and integrate the physical effects of the trip.
Spirituality
If spirituality is a part of your life, consider practices such as intention setting, prayer, or exploring tools like tarot. Intention setting can help guide your experiences and provide a sense of direction, while prayer or meditation can offer a sense of connection to something greater than yourself. Tools like tarot can provide symbolic guidance and help you make sense of your experiences from a spiritual perspective.
Lifestyle
Make gradual, intentional changes to your lifestyle that align with the insights gained during your trip. This could include adopting healthier eating habits, spending more time in nature, or setting boundaries in your daily life. These changes should be congruent with the lessons learned during your trip and should be implemented with patience and an incremental approach.
Relationships
Share your experiences and insights with trusted friends or loved ones. Practice non-sexual intimacy and vulnerability in your relationships, allowing yourself to connect deeply with others. Strong relationships can provide a supportive network as you integrate your mushroom trip experience into your everyday life.
Natural World
Spend time in nature, whether it's walking in a park, hiking in the woods, or simply sitting by a body of water. Being in natural settings can help ground and reconnect you with the earth, providing a sense of perspective and integration with the natural world.
Remember, integration is a process, and it may take time to fully incorporate your mushroom trip experience into your life. Be patient with yourself, and if needed, seek professional support or guidance to ensure a safe and beneficial integration journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Having a positive mindset and being in a safe, comfortable environment are crucial to having a good mushroom trip. It is also beneficial to have a friend around, especially someone who has tripped before, to watch over you.
It is important to plan your trip. Choose a safe, peaceful place to be, knowing that most trips last 8-12 hours. Talk to your friend about things you could do if you have a bad trip. Make sure you have everything you need, like water, a place to use the restroom, music, and more.
It is beneficial to have a notebook and markers to take notes about your journey. If you are outdoors, it is important to have someone who can keep tabs and look out for risks in the environment.
It is important to allow yourself a few days to process your trip. You can try out integration techniques such as journaling, having a conversation with someone, or spending time in nature.
Using cannabis and alcohol while tripping can change your experience in unpredictable ways. It is also advised to stick to one substance at a time and avoid climbing on things, looking in the mirror, or having sex with anyone other than a familiar partner.
