Trip Killers: How Can You Avoid Them?

Although, the concept of a ‘bad trip’ is fast becoming outdated (research shows that a so called ‘bad trip’ can actually be deeply beneficial) mostly, we want to make our shroom or truffle experience as dreamy and captivating as possible, without outside influence to color it. 

While there is always the possibility that outside forces or influence could interrupt, and therefore affect, your trip there are ways you can reduce this possibility. Of course sometimes a surprise interloper into your trip can have amazing results — a bird landing on your windowsill or a sudden rainfall, for example, can become deeply meaningful parts of your journey. But it can also be that certain influences or circumstances can shake your confidence, put you in a bad mood, or make you feel uncomfortable; all of which can negatively affect a psychedelic experience. These are known as trip killers.

So, with this in mind we present to you some of the most common trip-killers, and how you can avoid them, all the while enhancing your overall experience. 

Trip Killer 1: Unfamiliar Settings

Exploring the psychedelic frontiers in an unfamiliar environment can sometimes seem like an appealing double whammy of new-ness, however, often it is best to err on the side of caution. If you’re experienced, you may have worked yourself up to tripping wherever, whenever — but for everyone else, choosing a familiar, comfortable, and safe space will allow you to fully immerse yourself in your experience. Being able to relax means being able to be fully present and go deeper into your trip. If you don’t have to keep an eye on your surroundings, you can fully commit to opening your third one. 

However, if you’re set on getting out there, we recommend a micro or ‘museum’ dose to accompany you on a trip to the park, a music festival or perhaps, yes, a museum. Taking a smaller dose will minimize chances of a negative experience. 

Trip Killer 2: The Wrong Crowd

When tripping, if it’s gonna be a group hang, make sure the group is a good’un. People who you know well and feel comfortable with. Avoid the pal who can emanate bad vibes, or that you’ve previously quarreled with. We’ve all got that best friend we’d trust with our lives, and vice versa — they are the prime candidate for sharing an enjoyable trip with. If you are surrounded by unkind, untrustworthy, or negative people, you are honestly sometimes better off tripping alone. Tripping alone can be a highly enriching and deep experience too!

Trip Killer 3: Mixing Different Drugs

As each psychedelic trip is different, you can never be sure exactly how it’s going to go down. Because of this it is best to stick to just magic mushrooms or truffles, and not try mixing with other substances. It can seem like an exciting idea at the time, but often, once the effects of each substance has peaked you may find yourself, well, just too high. Instead, allow yourself to experience your chosen psychedelic’s full scope of spiritual, emotional and visual effects. Being aware of, and anticipating, your limits is key to ensuring a good experience. 

Trip Killer 4: Bad Music

Music really makes a vibe. And if you have the wrong tunes queued up, no matter how good the crowd or the setting, it can really mess up a trip. The right songs can buoy up, soothe, or deepen your journey. You can even find whole new dimensions to tracks you thought you knew like the back of your hand. So, if the music isn’t gelling don’t hesitate to change it up. It’s your trip after all!

Trip Killer 5: To Fail to Prepare is to Prepare to Fail

Being prepared for an upcoming trip is key to making sure all goes swimmingly. Before you embark, take a moment to focus and ask yourself if you are ready. What are your motivations? What do you wish to achieve? Considering these questions can set the tone for your experience. Additionally, the way you are feeling mentally and physically (your ‘set’) are big players in your trip too. Eating and sleeping well in the run up to your trip will help to prepare you for the trip itself and any down-time after. Finally, keeping an open mind and a positive outlook will enhance your trip no end. 

Trip Killer 6: Forgetting Your Essentials 

A little add-on to the preparation game is making sure you have your essentials around you — whatever they may be. Water, your favorite snacks, a blanket, a coloring book — it should be within reach. You don’t want to have to go to the supermarket during your trip to buy Oreos — anxiety in the shopping aisle is not ‘it’. 

Trip Killer 7: Leaving Your Safe Space

As above, leaving your comfort zone that you began your trip in can sometimes wreak havoc on your vibe. Sure, a trip to the park as you’re coming down can be magical, but heading to the night store as your trip starts to peak is really not advised. 

At the end of the day you can never totally control where a psychedelic will take you, but you can work with compassion and common sense to guide it to a place that is spiritual, insightful and enjoyable. Remember to keep and open mind, but always be safe.

Happy Tripping!