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