Responsibilities of a Trip Sitter

Trip sitters are individuals who supervise and assist others during their psychedelic experiences. Typically associated with the counterculture movement of the 1970s, psychedelics are now gaining attention for their therapeutic potential. However, these substances remain illegal outside of clinical trials, leading to controversy and safety concerns.

Understanding Psychedelics

Psychedelics are a class of drugs that disrupt an individual's sense of reality, altering perception, cognition, and emotional state. Examples include ketamine, LSD (acid), MDMA, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and ibogaine.

Interpreting the Term "Trip"

A "trip" refers to the experience of taking a hallucinogen, lasting several hours. When someone takes a psychedelic drug, they are effectively taking a "trip" from reality. Psychotherapy professionals do not typically use this terminology in professional settings.

Role of a Trip Sitter

A trip sitter, also known as a "sober sitter" or "psychedelic carer," is a person who remains sober while another individual takes a hallucinogen, providing care and support.

Ensuring Safety

Since the effects of psychedelics can be intense and long-lasting, a trip sitter's primary role is to ensure the safety of the person taking the drug. This includes preventing self-harm, harm to others, and managing emergencies.

Providing Support

Trip sitters offer various forms of support, such as providing food, water, transportation, and emotional assistance. They may help create a safe and comfortable environment, removing potential hazards and fostering a nonjudgmental atmosphere.

Allowing Full Experience

Trip sitters ideally remain non-intrusive, allowing the person taking the psychedelic to fully experience their trip without interference.

Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

Psychotherapists specializing in psychedelic therapy perform similar roles as trip sitters but provide additional professional support. They offer emotional support, help interpret and integrate the psychedelic experience, and manage safety concerns.

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is being studied as a potential treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Risks of Hallucinogens and Their Substances

Psychedelic use, whether recreational or therapeutic, poses certain risks, including the potential for hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPDD). This condition involves recurring perceptual symptoms, similar to those experienced during the initial drug use, causing distress and impairment in daily life.

Professional Guidance and Avoiding Substance Abuse

While psychedelic substances may hold therapeutic promise, it's essential to be mindful of the risks and potential consequences associated with their use. If you are considering using psychedelics for healing purposes, seek out clinical trials conducted by reputable organizations like the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).