When it comes to taking psychedelics such as LSD, Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin), and even DMT, the experience can be pretty powerful, life-altering, and intense.
Since people without any prior experience may find it overwhelming and even terrifying, it is common for an experienced individual to accompany them on a psychedelic trip to ensure their physical and mental safety.
This article will explain what a trip-sitter is and provide essential tips on how to be good at it, so you can help your fellow psychonauts feel safe and comfortable.
Let’s dive in!
What is Trip-Sitting?
As the name implies, trip-sitting is when a sober person is intently present in an environment where psychedelic drugs are consumed.
Trip sitting for your friend does not mean guiding or taking part in the psychedelic trip, but rather being there to help them mentally or physically if anything goes wrong.
The role of a trip-sitter is to observe and provide assistance as needed so you can enjoy your psychedelic journey without feeling anxious, scared, or annoyed.
It is easy to say that trip sitting plays a significant role in harm reduction.
Who Can Be a Trip-Sitter?
Trip sitting, as the term suggests, involves the presence of a sober, vigilant individual in a setting where psychedelic substances are being ingested. This role is not about participating in or directing the psychedelic experience itself; rather, it is about offering mental and physical support to those partaking in the experience, should any adverse situations arise.
The fundamental responsibility of a trip-sitter is to attentively observe and be ready to intervene with assistance when necessary. This ensures that individuals undergoing a psychedelic journey can do so with a sense of safety and comfort, alleviating feelings of anxiety, fear, or irritation that might otherwise emerge.
Moreover, trip sitting is a critical component in the broader context of harm reduction strategies associated with psychedelic drug use. It serves as a proactive measure to safeguard the well-being of individuals experimenting with these substances, emphasizing the importance of a controlled and supportive environment. By doing so, trip sitting not only aids in mitigating potential risks but also enhances the overall experience, making it more meaningful and reassuring for those involved. This practice underscores the significance of responsible and informed approaches to psychedelic experiences, highlighting the delicate balance between exploration and safety.
The Qualities of Trip-Sitter
To be a good trip sitter, you need to follow the basic principles by which the trip sitter should behave, such as:
- Staying sober while trip sitting.
- Not interfering with the psychedelic experience if it is not necessary.
- Having prior experience with psychedelics (not essential but very useful).
- Being aware of the set and the setting.
- Having a supportive, helpful, non-judgmental attitude.
- Being well-informed about the substance and the psychedelic experience.
- Being able to handle psychological or medical emergencies.
- Being able to stay calm in case of an emergency.
Considering all of that, being a trip-sitter is not an easy task to do. You certainly need skills and an attitude that would create a safe and comfortable environment for others.
What Is a Professional Trip Sitter?
While it is possible to ask a close friend or family member to act as a trip-sitter for your psychedelic experience, it may not always be a good idea for everyone.
Over the past few years, it has become possible to hire a professional trip-sitter whose job is to ensure that you remain safe while on a psychedelic trip. In addition, there is even an app created by a non-profit organization solely for harm reduction purposes that can help you deal with a bad trip.
Psychedelic trips at home aren't the only trips that require trip-sitting. Festivals often have harm reduction teams that provide comfortable space if you're experiencing an overwhelming psychedelic experience. An excellent example of this phenomenon is the MAPS Zendo Project which provides peer support that helps people cope with challenging psychedelic experiences at festivals and events.
Facilitators Vs. Trip sitters
The facilitator's job is to assist and guide individuals or groups in their journey with psychedelics.
There are many types of facilitators, such as shamans, guides, and even therapists.
Psychedelic facilitators are trained professionals who guide psychedelic trips and are knowledgeable about best practices, so they are able to provide the correct guidance to achieve the desired outcome, such as a spiritual journey or psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Although facilitators and trip-sitters have many similarities, facilitators guide the experience, while trip-sitters only assist if needed.
How to Take Care of Your Friend’s Psychedelic Experience?
If a friend asks you to trip-sit their psychedelic experience, ensure you have enough knowledge about the specific psychedelic substance and the necessary skills to trip-sit.
Be present with them throughout the experience as their trusted ally. Prior to the trip, discuss with them and choose the most optimal set and setting for them.
Discover how to trip sit your friend based on what type of psychedelic they took below, as well as the most important rules for trip-sitting!
How to Trip Sit based on the Different Psychedelics?
It is important to keep in mind that different types of psychedelic substances produce different psychedelic effects.
LSD
The first thing you should know about an LSD trip is that it's a very overwhelming experience. Many people describe it as one of the most instance experiences of their lives. It is not uncommon for an LSD trip to last for more than 10-12 hours, but in many cases, most of the effects will be gone after 8 hours.
A bad LSD trip is something you don't want anyone to experience. The tripper can get stuck within his paranoia, anxiety, or even with his old memories. In addition, a non-experienced psychonaut might find himself forgetting he took the LSD and feel as if he’s trapped in a dream-like state.
The most important thing to do when someone is experiencing a bad trip that is not an emergency is to remind them that they took LSD and go over the details, such as how long ago did they take the LSD, what was the dosage, when it would be over, and what he will do after the effects calm down.
Depending on the situation, you can ask them what can be done to make them feel better. For example, a walk in the park can do wonders in such situations.
Many LSD experiences are characterized by constant mind loops, which some view as fun or even enjoyable, but others find stressful and exhausting. It is also because of these mind loops that many people consider taking acid to be a challenging experience. Some users reported that listening to music might help minimize LSD mind loops if the loops are focused on the music instead of anxiety.
Learn more about LSD thought loops.
Learn about the connection between LSD and creativity.
Learn more about LSD.
Magic Mushrooms
The psychedelic experience of magic mushrooms is also long and intense. The psychedelic trip can last between 4-6 hours, or even more depending on the dosage, ingestion method, and the actual shrooms.
During a mushroom or LSD trip, people might not be open to communication and may seek their space. Make sure you give them the space and time they need and just be there for them if they need help.
There are some people who dislike the taste of shrooms. Some even feel very nauseated. As a trip sitter, you might need to tell your friend whether or not he should eat something while tripping on magic mushrooms.
If your friend feels that magic mushrooms make him want to cry, tell him it's okay to let it all out and be there for him without judgment.
If your friend is restless and unable to find his place, it might mean that he needs an activity to distract him from the negative experience. Use our "What to do on magic mushrooms guide" for ideas!
Keep in mind that listening is much more important than talking when you are trip-sitting!
Learn more about magic mushrooms.
DMT
DMT is a psychoactive substance with strong hallucinogenic effects. The short-lived and influential nature of DMT makes trip-sitting highly common. Only one person should take DMT at a time if you are experiencing it in a group setting.
DMT experiences typically last between 5 and 40 minutes, but they can last even longer. There are a number of factors that can affect this, depending on the individual and the specific DMT blend they decided to take.
If you're trip sitting someone who's on DMT, make sure they're comfortable and safe and do not interrupt them.
A DMT trip might take your friend to a whole new dimension where he can meet with DMT Machine Elves.
Learn the differences between the different types of DMT and their effects: 5-MeO-DMT vs. N, N-DMT.
Learn more about DMT.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Psychedelic Trip-Sitting
The most important thing is to be there for the person at all times and to act if an emergency occurs. Here are some basic thumb rules to help you.
Do:
- Do background research on the psychedelic substance.
- Familiarize yourself with the psychedelic guidelines.
- Make sure you have enough water and food on hand if needed.
- Make sure you arrange the set and setting before the psychedelic trip.
- Keep a calm and soft tone of voice when speaking to the tripper.
- Try to be gentle, accepting, and supportive.
- Try to smile, and vibrate positive energy during the experience.
- Try to listen more than you talk.
Do Not:
- Guide the psychedelic experience.
- Do things that will disturb the person having the trip, such as making loud noises, playing video games, etc.
- Constantly ask questions or interrupt the person.
- Be patronizing and offer too many opinions.
- Ask them questions about their current psychedelic experience.
- Bring up negative and uncomfortable topics.
- Offer other drugs or substances during their psychedelic experience.
- Leave the person alone and go somewhere else during their trip.
How to Help Someone In The Case Of a Bad Trip?
The use of psychedelics can bring up intense emotions, past experiences, traumas, and overwhelming feelings. A trip-sitter can help by staying calm, being present with them, and recognizing potential emergencies.
Here are a few things you can do in case of a challenging experience:
- You can help them focus their attention on their breath by asking them to take long breaths.
- Hold the person’s hand, comfort them, and provide a safe space.
- Make sure they have water and something small to eat like fruits.
- Remind them they have taken psychedelic substances, and the experience is temporary.
- Tell them you are sober, that they will be too soon, and that you will stay with them as long as they need you.
- Go for a walk in the park outside to change the set and setting. Don't forget to bring sunglasses and water.
- Put a familiar TV show or movie on so the tripper can forget about the bad trip for a while.
- Make the tripper's consciousness shift by playing relaxing music. Music can amplify the psychedelic experience in many cases, so use it to change the atmosphere. You may find it helpful to turn off your music if needed to give your set and setting a less psychedelic feel, which may help the person having a bad trip to get a sense of normality.
- If a real emergency occurs, it will be your responsibility to determine the risk level and make sure the person receives proper medical care.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency?
The trip-sitter is responsible for making sure everyone is safe and that they are not attempting to do dangerous things. It is essential to recognize those situations and act fast.
In case of an emergency, immediately call for medical help! Even if you live in a country with negative psychedelics regulations, it is essential to seek help and go to the hospital if necessary.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or consult with psychedelic peer support.
Make sure the medical team knows what the person took and how much.
The Bottom Line
The act of trip sitting is one of the most common harm reduction methods among psychonauts.
Trip-sitting someone requires mental preparation, research about the substance, and staying present during the psychedelic trip.
It is important to remember that trip sitting is not about the sitter but about protecting and allowing someone else to have a safe psychedelic experience.
