What to Do When Your Magic Mushroom Trip Goes Wrong

When a magic mushroom trip goes wrong, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. Knowing what a bad trip is and how to handle it can make all the difference.

In this article, you’ll learn how to recognize a bad trip and what to do if it happens. We’ll also explain why bad trips happen, how to prevent them, and what to do to stay calm and safe during your trip.

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways:

What Is a Bad Trip?

A bad trip is an uncomfortable and scary experience that can happen while tripping on magic mushrooms.

It involves feelings of fear, anxiety, or confusion, making the trip feel overwhelming. Though it can be scary, it’s important to remember that it’s temporary and it will pass.

Also, check out our blog on what is psilocybin therapy

What To Do If You’re Having a Bad Trip?

If you start feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed during your trip, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to help yourself feel better.

The most important thing to do is to stay calm. Remind yourself that it will pass and that the feelings are temporary.

Here’s what you can do to get through a bad trip.

Step 1: Don’t Panic

The first thing to remember during a bad trip is not to panic. Trying to fight or resist the feelings can make them worse.

A study by Carbonaro et al. (2016) found that surrendering to the experience at the start of a psychedelic session led to more positive experiences, while resisting or overthinking often triggered bad trips.

Remind yourself that you’re just tripping, and the sensations will pass. Accept the experience instead of fighting it, and you’ll find it easier to handle. Focus on slow, deep breaths and tell yourself that you just need to ride it out.

Step 2: Talk With Someone

Talking to someone you trust can really help. Having a trip sitter or a friend nearby can remind you that you’re safe and help shift your focus away from negative thoughts. They can be there to listen and make you feel less alone and more comfortable.

Step 3: Change Your Environment

Changing your environment can make a big difference if you’re feeling overwhelmed during a bad trip.  Moving to a quiet, peaceful space can make you feel calmer and safer.

Try to find a comfortable spot with soft lighting or a relaxing outdoor area. Avoid loud or busy places, as they might make things worse. A calm environment can make it easier to manage your feelings and help you feel better.

Step 4: Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing can help you stay calm during a bad trip. It’s a simple way to relax and feel more in control when things get overwhelming.

Just breathe in slowly through your nose, letting your stomach rise, and then breathe out through your mouth.

You can also try “box breathing” by inhaling for four seconds, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding again for four seconds. Focus on your breath, and it will help you feel calmer and more settled.

For more information, read our blog about how psilocybin rewires our brain.

How Long Does a Bad Trip Last?

A bad trip doesn’t last the entire mushroom trip. While a magic mushroom trip can last around 4 to 6 hours, the most intense and uncomfortable parts of a bad trip often last for a shorter time—typically 30 minutes to 2 hours.

You can reduce the intensity and duration of a bad trip by following the steps mentioned above—like staying calm, talking to someone, changing your environment, and practicing deep breathing.

These can help you feel more in control and bring you back to a calmer state much faster, sometimes within minutes.

How to Avoid a Bad Trip?

Avoiding a bad trip starts with good preparation and self-awareness. Focusing on your set (mindset) and setting (environment) can reduce the chances of a bad trip. Having a trusted friend around and avoiding any substances also helps.

1. Set & Setting

Set refers to your mindset going into the trip, while setting is the environment where the trip takes place. Both are equally important in shaping your trip.

For your mindset (set):

• Mental Space: Make sure you’re in a calm, positive headspace. If you’re stressed, anxious, or dealing with emotional struggles, it may not be the right time for a trip.
• Intentions: Set clear intentions for your trip. Whether you want to explore, reflect, or just relax, having a goal can help guide your trip.
• Accept what comes: Understand that the experience will flow. Being open to it can prevent feelings of resistance that might trigger a bad trip.

For your environment (setting):

• Lighting: Soft, warm lighting can help you feel relaxed.
• Music: Play calming and uplifting music to guide the mood of your trip.
• Safety: Being in a familiar place, like your home, provides safety and security.

2. Avoid Mixing Mushrooms with Alcohol or Other Substances

Mixing mushrooms with alcohol or other substances increases the chance of a bad trip. It can lead to unpredictable reactions, confusion, and emotional swings. Keeping the experience focused on mushrooms alone helps you stay in control and have a clearer, safer trip.

Avoiding these combinations also prevents accidental overuse, as mixing substances can reduce their effects, leading people to consume more than needed. Keeping it simple with just mushrooms ensures a smoother, more manageable trip.

Also, check our guide on how to microdose.

Why Do Bad Trips Even Happen?

Bad trips happen for many reasons, often because of your mindset and the environment you’re in. One moment, you’re feeling good, and then something shifts, causing anxiety or fear to take over.

Here’s why bad trips might happen:

1. Emotional State: If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or negative before you trip, those feelings can get amplified. The trip can make small worries seem like big problems.
2. Context: Where you are and who you’re with matters. If you’re in an unfamiliar place or around people you don’t trust, you might feel unsafe, which can trigger a bad trip.
3. Mental Health: If you have any pre-existing mental health conditions, psychedelics can bring up difficult emotions or thoughts. It’s important to be aware of your mental state before tripping.

Bad trips are a mix of unpredictable elements, but they can happen to anyone. Instead of focusing on avoiding them, it’s about learning how to understand and handle them when they come.

Learn more about the differences between microdosing vs macrodosing psilocybin.

Can a Bad Trip Be a Valuable Experience?

Yes, a bad trip can be a valuable experience. While it may feel scary or overwhelming at the time, many people find that it leads to personal growth and deeper self-awareness.

Challenging trips often bring up buried emotions or unresolved issues, forcing you to confront them. By facing these difficult feelings, you can better understand yourself. Many people describe these experiences as turning points that help them grow emotionally and spiritually.

Here’s how a bad trip can be valuable:

• Emotional Release: It helps you let go of emotions you may have been holding in, making you feel free afterwards.
• Spiritual Growth: Some people report feeling more connected to the universe or gaining a new perspective on life.
• Deeper Insights: By reflecting on the experience, you can learn more about your triggers and emotional patterns.

Even though bad trips are tough, they can be moments of important realization and growth, offering valuable lessons for the future.

Conclusion

Understanding what a bad trip is and how to handle it is important for making your trip on magic mushrooms safer and more enjoyable. By knowing the signs of a bad trip and what to do, you can stay calm and get through the challenging moments with more control.

Using grounding techniques like deep breathing and calming your mind can help you stay chill. Having a trusted friend nearby for support can also make a big difference, offering comfort when things feel overwhelming.

For more tips, read our blog, do microdosing capsules expire?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bad Trip on Magic Mushrooms?

A bad trip on magic mushrooms is a negative and overwhelming experience. It can be characterized by intense anxiety, fear, and paranoia.

How Long Does a Bad Trip Last?

A bad trip can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Can Music Help During a Bad Trip?

Yes, calming music can help during a bad trip by shifting your focus and improving your mood.

Is a Bad Trip Dangerous?

A bad trip is not physically dangerous, but it can be mentally and emotionally challenging.

Does Alcohol Increase the Risk of a Bad Trip?

Yes, mixing alcohol with magic mushrooms can increase the chance of a bad trip by amplifying anxiety and confusion.