What is a bad trip?
What is a bad trip? A bad trip is a specific reaction you may experience when using certain psychedelic or hallucinogenic substances. The word “trip” refers to the effects you experience, and “bad” refers to the nature of your reaction. A bad trip usually manifests as panic, fear, and the feeling that the trip will never end.
If you’re using a certain substance for the first time, or if you’ve never heard of a bad trip, it’s wise to research it thoroughly beforehand. Not everyone experiences a bad trip, but it’s good to know what it entails and what you might feel.
What exactly do you feel?
What you feel during a bad trip depends heavily on a number of factors. Which substance are you using, are you using it correctly, are the conditions right (e.g., did you have an empty stomach before using the substance), are you in a place where you feel comfortable, do you have certain worries or stress, etc. So it can depend on your preparation, but also on your current mental state or the environment. During a bad trip, for example, you might experience the following effects:
- Feeling like you’re losing control of yourself and the situation
- Negative thoughts
- Aggression
- Thinking the trip will never end
- Distortion of faces
- Feelings of panic
- Terrifying visions and hallucinations
If you’re having a bad trip, it’s hard to keep a grip on the situation. The realization that you are in control and that the trip will eventually end (even the realization that you are tripping on a psychedelic substance at all) can completely disappear. During a bad trip, you might do stupid things and hurt yourself or someone else.
How can you have a bad trip?
As explained above, whether you have a bad trip and, if so, how it manifests depends on various factors. You may not have prepared properly or used the substance incorrectly, but you may also encounter other situations. Suppose someone walks in unexpectedly while you’re tripping. This seems perfectly normal to sober people, but someone under the influence can be greatly disturbed by it. If you’re stressed or worried, these feelings can also unintentionally play a role in your trip. In addition, your trip can also take a different turn if you’re in a chaotic environment, or an environment where you don’t feel comfortable.
Preventing a bad trip
Preventing a bad trip isn’t always possible, but you can ensure that the conditions are optimal for using your psychedelic substance. Here’s a checklist to follow:
- Do not use psychedelics if you are not feeling well physically or mentally.
- Make sure you’re in a familiar, quiet environment where you feel comfortable.
- Make sure your companions are people you trust, who can reassure you if you do end up having a bad trip.
Of course, you should always make sure you use the substance correctly and take the right dose. Do you have questions about bad trips or the products in our selection? Feel free to contact us! You can reach us at support@dutch-smart.nl and 085-7827555.
