Introduction
A “bad trip” is an intense and often overwhelming experience that can happen when someone takes a psychedelic drug like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, or DMT. Bad trips can involve intense feelings of fear, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, and even panic attacks. Although they can be frightening, it is possible to manage bad trips and eventually come out of them feeling more balanced and grounded.
In this article, we’ll provide some tips and advice on how to stop a bad trip. We’ll discuss the benefits of talking to a trusted friend or family member, engaging in calming activities, staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks, taking CBD or other natural remedies, and seeking professional help if needed.
Talk to a Trusted Friend or Family Member
When you’re having a bad trip, one of the best things you can do is talk to a trusted friend or family member. Having someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer emotional support can help you feel less alone and more grounded in reality.
Talking to someone close can also help you process any difficult thoughts or emotions that come up during a bad trip. A study from 2015 found that individuals who experienced challenging psychedelic experiences reported greater psychological growth when they were able to share their experiences with someone they trusted.
If you don’t have anyone close to talk to, there are other ways to find a trusted person. You could join an online forum or chatroom dedicated to discussing psychedelic experiences, or seek out a therapist or counselor who specializes in psychedelic therapy.
Engage in Calming Activities
Another way to stop a bad trip is to engage in calming activities. This could include listening to soothing music, doing yoga or meditation, or simply taking deep breaths. These activities can help you relax and refocus your attention away from any anxious or disturbing thoughts.
Research from 2018 suggests that mindfulness-based interventions can be effective for managing challenging experiences associated with psychedelic use. In particular, the study found that practices such as mindful breathing, body scanning, and loving-kindness meditation helped participants become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, allowing them to better cope with challenging psychedelic experiences.
When engaging in calming activities, it’s important to remember to go at your own pace. Don’t be afraid to take breaks or switch activities if you need to. You may also find it helpful to set an intention before beginning, such as “I will focus on my breath and let go of any negative thoughts.”
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy Snacks
Staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks can also help you manage a bad trip. Dehydration can make your body and mind feel sluggish and make it harder to focus on calming activities. Drinking plenty of water can help keep you feeling alert and energized.
Eating healthy snacks can also help boost your energy levels and make it easier to focus on calming activities. Eating complex carbohydrates like oatmeal or whole grain toast can help stabilize your blood sugar and prevent any sudden dips in energy. Fruits and nuts are also good sources of vitamins and minerals that can help nourish your body and mind.
Take CBD or Other Natural Remedies
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in cannabis that has been shown to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Taking CBD during a bad trip can help reduce feelings of fear and anxiety and help you feel more grounded and relaxed. It is important to note, however, that the effects of CBD vary from person to person, so it’s best to start with a small dose and see how it affects you.
There are also other natural remedies that can help manage a bad trip, such as kava root, valerian root, and lavender essential oil. Kava root is known for its calming and sedative effects, while valerian root has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. Lavender essential oil can be used aromatically to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your bad trip persists despite trying the above methods, it may be time to seek professional help. If you are feeling suicidal or homicidal thoughts, it is especially important to get help right away. There are a variety of mental health professionals who specialize in psychedelic therapy, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.
These professionals can help you process any difficult thoughts or emotions that come up during a bad trip, as well as develop strategies for managing challenging psychedelic experiences. They can also provide guidance on how to stay safe when using psychedelics.
Conclusion
Bad trips can be overwhelming and frightening, but it is possible to manage them with the right tools and resources. Talking to a trusted friend or family member, engaging in calming activities, staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks, taking CBD or other natural remedies, and seeking professional help if needed can all help you come out of a bad trip feeling more balanced and grounded.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a bad trip, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are people who understand and can offer support and guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out and get the help you need.
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