It is called a “trip” because your perceptions of the world change so dramatically, it can feel as if you have taken a trip to a strange, new land. Most people hope that the trip will be a pleasant experience, and it might be, but it can also quickly turn unpleasant. Sometimes, it is unpleasant from the beginning. It is common for unpleasant sensations, hallucinations, and thoughts to occur during a trip. This does not necessarily mean you are having a bad trip as these experiences can sometimes seem interesting or funny rather than upsetting or frightening.
Are Certain People Exempt From Bad Trips?
When people first start experimenting with psychedelic drugs, they sometimes go through a honeymoon period. This can cause them to believe all trips are good. Some also feel that bad trips are a myth dreamed up by the establishment to discourage people from becoming enlightened or having a good time. Others think that taking a psychedelic drug with friends or a “guide” will prevent a bad trip. These beliefs can provide a false sense of security as there is no foolproof way to avoid having a bad trip. And the more often you take psychedelics, the greater your risk of eventually having a negative experience.
Are Certain Drugs Exempt From Bad Trips?
Some people who use psychedelic drugs believe that bad trips can only happen with drugs like acid or PCP. They think that they can’t have this type of experience with drugs they perceive as being safe, like ecstasy or magic mushrooms. But there is no such thing as a “safe” drug. In fact, all psychedelic or hallucinogenic drugs can cause a bad trip, even ecstasy and magic mushrooms. Other drugs, such as weed (marijuana) and cocaine, can also produce intense, distressing effects—even in people who usually have a good time when intoxicated from these substances.
Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Trip
It’s impossible to predict how a hallucinogen will affect you, and trip symptoms can vary a great deal. They can be mild or intense and range from upsetting or overwhelming thoughts to frightening hallucinations and delusions that can lead to accidents. Though a highly individualized experience, there are some aspects that are commonly described by people who have had a bad trip.
Time Dilation
Time dilation is the experience of time standing still, which can make it feel as if the unpleasant aspects of the trip will never end. Some people report having absolutely no perception of time at all during a trip. Scientists are still somewhat unclear as to what causes the distortion of time, whether this effect is due to neurochemical impacts of the drug on the body or if it is caused by an altered state of consciousness.
Negative Reinterpretations and Paranoia
A bad trip may cause you to think that the people you once thought were safe can no longer be trusted. Previously positive or neutral interpretations of life or relationships can suddenly become negative. If this happens, it can be upsetting both for the person experiencing it and their companions (who feel powerless to help). Someone having a bad trip might feel that their life is worthless, that someone they normally feel fine about is acting against them, that they are bad, or that the whole world is bad or corrupt. These feelings can be all-consuming and cause the person having a bad trip to panic and try and get away from the people around them.
Hallucinations
Most of the hallucinations that people have while tripping take the form of visual distortions such as walls “breathing,” colored or geometric formations, or illusions. In some cases, involving experienced medical personnel may be warranted, even if highly upsetting for the person having a bad trip. Sometimes these distortions are extremely vivid, such as a familiar person’s face morphing into that of a demon. Occasionally, hallucinations take the form of seeing beings or objects that don’t even exist.
Mood Swings
Your mood can change dramatically when you are tripping. Feelings of sadness and despair can reach new depths, while anxiety can quickly develop into panic. Although rare, some people using hallucinogens may experience persistent mood changes over time, particularly if they have a history of mental illness, although this effect can occur in anyone using these drugs.
How Long Does a Bad Trip Last?
When taking a hallucinogen, the length of the trip can vary depending on the drug. Some drugs are known to have short trips of only 15 minutes (like synthetic DMT, a white powder that is typically smoked), while others can involve a trip that lasts up to 12 hours (such as LSD). The most intense period of the trip typically occurs from one to three hours after the drug is consumed, so time will usually ease the most extreme aspects of the trip. That said, the effects will often continue for an additional six to 12 hours after that, during which time the person will not be able to sleep.
How to Stop a Bad Trip
Although it is not possible to “switch off” the effects of hallucinogenic drugs, a bad trip may be able to be transformed into a more positive experience. Research suggests that “set and setting”—which refers to state of mind and environment—play a role in how a trip plays out. With this in mind, here are a few things you can do to potentially help stop a bad trip:
Avoid people or places that you may find upsetting. Don’t take psychedelics when something is bothering you. Keep away from environments that may be over-stimulating, such as busy public places. Stay in the presence of people that you trust.
Seeking Help for a Bad Trip
If you or the person experiencing a bad trip is open to receiving medical help, going to a walk-in clinic or the emergency room is an option. There may be medical interventions that could help reduce the effects of the trip. Never attempt to self-medicate by taking other drugs as this is risky and could worsen the effects of the trip or cause drug interactions. It can also lead to problems with other substances taken in an attempt to calm down.
A Word From Verywell
The only way to avoid a bad trip is to avoid hallucinogenic drugs. While you may be intrigued by the idea of tripping, there is a reason that many people don’t take them for long. Sooner or later, they have a bad trip and never want to repeat the experience.
