Guidelines for Being an Effective Trip Sitter
We at Psilocybin San Francisco promote the safe and responsible use of psychedelics, which is why we always recommend having a trip sitter while you are on a psychedelic journey.
While it's true that many trips result in positive experiences beyond our expectations, we must also ask a question: what occurs when a trip goes wrong, and you find yourself alone? Having a trip sitter is a great harm reduction strategy since they are a person who stays sober and provides support for someone who is using psychedelic substances.
We have heard one too many times: "I am experienced. I do not need a trip sitter". We appreciate an experienced psychonaut, but the mind is still an unknown feature of human existence, and we do not understand the complexity and variability of psychedelic experiences. Thus, having a trip sitter present, regardless of experience level, can provide an added layer of safety and support to your psychedelic experience. You know what they say: It's better to be safe than sorry.
If you want to be a trip sitter or plan to have one, here are the main rules that a trip sitter should follow:
BE KNOWLEDGEABLE
Being a trip sitter requires knowledge regarding the substance used, its effects, and potential risks. Having a trip sitter with prior experience with the specific substance can be beneficial as they are better equipped to anticipate and understand the various stages and effects that may occur during the experience. It is also good to know how a specific substance interacts with other substances and medication.
SIT, DO NOT GUIDE
A frequent error made by trip sitters is assuming control over both the person and the trip, leading to unnecessary meddling in the process. The role of a trip sitter is to watch and intervene only when necessary, without guiding or influencing the direction of the trip.
CREATE A SAFE AND CALM ENVIRONMENT
Ensuring a safe and comfortable environment is a crucial responsibility for trip sitters. They must take measures to eliminate potential hazards and create a calm atmosphere. To maintain a supportive presence, trip sitters should avoid making unnecessary noise and aim to remain as neutral as possible.
BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES
As a trip sitter, it's essential always to be prepared for emergencies that may arise during a trip. This means having a solid plan in case of unexpected and urgent situations, such as having a list of significant phone numbers readily available and detailing who to contact in different scenarios. This includes local emergency services, medical professionals, family members and the person's emergency contacts. The trip sitter should also be equipped with basic first aid supplies, such as a kit, medications, and other necessary tools.
STAY SOBER
This cannot be emphasized enough - a trip sitter should stay sober throughout the experience. It is necessary so that the support provided can be with a clear mind and free from any impairment that could influence their ability to assist the person tripping effectively. In addition, being sober allows the trip sitter to maintain a grounded presence and make rational decisions if the situation requires it.
SET BOUNDARIES
Establishing clear boundaries and ground rules is essential for trip sitters to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. This includes setting basic rules such as movement boundaries, refraining from driving a vehicle, and personal limitations such as respecting someone's physical touch or personal space preferences.
BE NON-JUDGMENTAL
During a psychedelic experience, it's common for personal material to surface. To best support the person tripping, trip sitters must maintain a non-judgmental attitude and avoid using language that may provoke any difficult emotions or thoughts that arise during the experience.
MONITOR WELL-BEING
Trip sitters should constantly monitor the person's physical and emotional state to identify potential issues quickly, which allows for prompt and effective action to be taken, preventing any harm or discomfort to the person.
In conclusion, the role of a trip sitter is of utmost importance and should be taken seriously. Trip sitters play a critical role in creating a safe environment for the person undergoing the trip. Although it's impossible to predict the exact outcome of a trip, following the guidelines mentioned above can significantly reduce the risk of harm. Therefore, it's essential to carefully select a trip sitter if you plan to embark on a trip.
If you're considering becoming a trip sitter, it's crucial to think twice before accepting the responsibility. Going through the guidelines mentioned above and being honest about whether you can provide the necessary support is vital. By taking these steps, both the person undergoing the trip and the trip sitter can ensure a more positive and safe experience.
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