A trip is a common term used to describe a psychedelic experience. During a trip, you experience the effects of psychoactive substances. A trip involves an altered state of consciousness. A trip can include hallucinations and changes in perception.

If someone is “tripping,” they are in the middle of a psychedelic experience.

It’s called a “trip” because the effects of psychedelics can feel as if you are taking a trip to another place or dimension.

Interestingly, research indicates that the placebo effect can induce an altered state of consciousness in much the same way as psychedelics.

During a trip, you might encounter a variety of experiences, including:

  • Hallucinations
  • Mystical experiences
  • Changes in sensory perception
  • Distorted vision
  • Increased heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Euphoria
  • Empathy
  • Changes in mood
  • Decreased hunger
  • Changes in perception of time and space

What Is a Bad Trip?

Sometimes, the experiences of a trip are mild, engaging, and rather pleasant.

Other times, these encounters can be frightening and unpleasant. This is what’s known as a “bad trip.” A bad trip can make someone feel incredibly anxious, scared, and paranoid.

Some experiences that define a bad trip include:

  • Impaired judgment
  • Depersonalization
  • Blurred vision
  • Heart palpitations
  • Depressive mood
  • Scary or disturbing hallucinations