SAFE TRIPPIN'

How To Deal With Difficult Psychedelic Experiences.
By: Maria Scarangella


The information in this guide can be attributed to the wonderful organization M.A.P.S.

This guide does not condone the use of illegal drugs, but rather seeks to educate young people and reduce potential harm (and maximize benefits) in situations where psychedelics are concerned.

Psychedelics are more than just a good time. They have been used for religious and therapeutic purposes in many cultures and for hundreds of years.Since the discovery of LSD and its proliferation in the 60's psychedelics became regarded as a recreational drug by most.

Actually, thinking of them as recreational is the most common misconception that many young people make. While they can provide a fun time in many situations, not all environments are conducive to a safe or productive psychedelic experience.

Psychedelics get their name from the effect that they have on the mind. They are well known for their ability to produce visual hallucinations, but their psychological effects are less understood, especially by those who have never used them before.

Psychedelics help to give us Conscious Awareness of Unconscious Material in our own minds. This can lead to profound and beautiful insights. Other times, it can create an intimidating whirlpool of spinning thoughts which are difficult to navigate or ignore. Deep feelings, memories, and emotions can be stirred up when in a psychedelic state and some revel in these and can grow out of them, while others need the support of a fellow person to guide them through these difficult experiences.

Difficult psychedelic experiences or "bad trips" can be frightening but there is potential to learn something about ourselves from these experiences. I personally urge anyone who is a recreational tripper to familiarize themselves with the signs of a difficult experience and know how to respond in this delicate situation.

One day you might be able to help a stranger or a friend.


SET & SETTING: 2 important concepts

Setting: The external environment
In the words of Dr. Timothy Leary: "The essential thing is to feel as comfortable as possible, whether in one's living room or under the night sky. Familiar surroundings may help one feel confident in hallucinatory periods. If the session is held indoors, music, lighting, the availability of food and drink, should be considered beforehand."

It is important to feel secure wherever you trip. Make sure you are familiar with your surroundings and the people you are with. You should always trip with close friends - people whom you know and trust (who know and are okay with the fact that you are tripping).
It helps that the setting be a place that is particularly stimulating, you may find yourself restless in a dim and dirty basement with the TV on.  Go outside, explore. But don't get lost!

As fun and popular as it may be, concerts and raves are not the most suitable settings for all potential trippers. They are hot, crowded, dark, unfamiliar, and full of strangers. On top of that loud music and light shows can disorient somebody under the influence of psychedelics. If you plan on taking psychedelics at a musical event stay close to your friends, have a designated meet-up point and always know your way out of the crowd!


SET: Internal mental environment & beliefs of the tripper
Your attitude or "mind set" is incredibly important when entering a psychedelic experience. Sometimes it can determine the nature of the experience.

- Put down whatever you are mentally holding on to: whatever mental chatter/clutter is only going to get amplified or get in the way or your full experience.

- Don't expect psychedelics to "solve your problems" or "enlighten" you - it is your own consciousness that is doing the work - the psychedelic substance should be seen as an ally, a catalyst, or a tool to help you on your journey.

How To Help a Friend Through a Difficult Experience.

1) Is The Person Concerned About Their Physical Safety?
Remember: you cannot overdose on traditional psychedelics (as opposed to newer and more mysterious research chemicals) but negative reactions are possible especially if a large amount of the drug was taken or if the person has taken other medications or drugs. 
*MAOI’s, St. John’s wart*(These specifically should never be mixed!)

Try to determine:
    - "What drug did you take?"
    - "Do you know how much?"
    - "Do you remember how long ago?"
    - "Are you on any other drugs or medication including Alcohol?"
        For information about drug combinations visit Erowid.org

If no physical danger exists the first thing to do is:
Create a Safe Space - quiet, warm, & comfortable

2) “Sitting, not guiding”
The person who you are with may seem like they are experiencing a number of uncomfortable emotions and you may want to distract them from those thoughts and emotions. This could make them feel even more anxious. In other words:
    - Do not lead the person “away” from their experience.
    - Let your presence communicate patience and caring.
    - Let the content of their experience guide any questions you ask or any comments you make.

At this stage there are many things you can do to make the person feel more at ease with where they are at in their mind. If the person's emotions are overwhelming, encouraging their expression can be one of the best options!
It is always good to have a big sketchbook and a set of paints, pastels, crayons, or other simple to use art supplies on hand. Instruments are also good tools. Even those of us who are not artistically inclined can find art to be a wonderful source of expression at a time when verbal expression can be difficult. Physical expression is also another outlet for release. Walking, holding a pose/stretching, gently massaging, are all ways that physical relaxation can be reached (Always ask for permission regarding any kind of physical contact).

3) “Difficult”, not necessarily “Bad”
It is important to let a person having a psychedelic experience explore all emotions that they feel – not just happy or fun ones. Longer lasting negative repercussions are more likely to occur if the person resists confronting difficult emotions.
The scary thoughts that manifest in the mind during a psychedelic trip were not created by the drug, they were within the mind of the tripper already. Ignoring them and trying to force them out of your consciousness/awareness (Think of the words un-conscious, sub-conscious) is a serious kind of denial. Give the person the space to work through their experience and don’t try to distract them.

Remember : Talk through, NOT “down”

Further Reading: http://www.maps.org/resources/responding_to_difficult_psychedelic_experiences/