A bad trip can be extremely dangerous and lead a person to hurt themselves or someone else. Therefore, it is important to do everything you can to help someone experiencing a bad trip. If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with hallucinogen abuse, call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) today to find a rehab center that will cater to your needs.

1. Emphasize Safety

As stated by Brown University, when someone is experiencing a bad trip, “it is important to make your friend feel safe and comfortable.” If you are out somewhere or in a place where your friend does not feel safe, get them home immediately or to a place where they are aware of and comfortable in their surroundings.

2. Remove Stimulation

Remind your friend that everything will be okay.

Make sure your friend is not in a place with loud music, lots of other people, or things that could continue to stimulate them and worsen their already bad trip. Get them into an empty room, turn down the lights, and make sure there aren’t many noises to frighten or upset them further.

3. Use Soothing Sounds

You can put on music that is quiet and soothing or speak softly to your friend. While it can be helpful for them to be as understimulated as possible, they will likely be afraid and will want you to stay with them. Having music on softly in the background or just talking to them can help ground them in reality. It is better to remain with them as well to make sure they are getting better.

4. Tell Them It’s Okay

It may seem like it won’t be helpful, but reminding your friend that all of this will soon pass, that they are okay, and that whatever they’re feeling now is just a result of the drug will actually benefit them immensely. It can be extremely hard to determine reality from fantasy while you are experiencing a bad trip, so by telling them what is real, you will be helping them slowly begin to come back down.

5. Perform Seizure First Aid

In some individuals, a bad trip can lead to a seizure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the basic first aid for treating a seizure:

• Ease the person to the floor.
• Turn them gently onto their side.
• Never put anything in the person’s mouth.
• Remove their glasses and anything around their neck that would make it hard for them to breathe.
• Call 911, especially if the person has never experienced a seizure before.

Can Bad Trips Be Treated?

6. Seek Medical Attention

Brown University states, “If your friend is inconsolable or seems violently agitated, then seek medical help right away.” This could be dangerous to you or to your friend, so it is important to keep a safe distance and to watch them while waiting for the ambulance. This requires immediate medical treatment, so calling 911 is necessary.

Seek Treatment Now

If you abuse hallucinogens often, have ever experienced a bad trip, or know someone who needs help, call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) . We can assist you in finding the right rehab center for your needs as well as programs that will take your insurance plan. Call now.