Question 1

What should you do during a difficult psychedelic experience?

Accepted Answer

Grounding, slower breathing, a quieter environment, and calm support may help some people during distress, but severe symptoms should not be assumed to pass without help. Call 911 for loss of consciousness, seizure, chest pain, severe overheating, trouble breathing, extreme agitation, or immediate danger.

Question 2

What is a 'bad trip' and how long does it last?

Accepted Answer

A challenging experience can involve intense fear, anxiety, confusion, or dysphoria. Published timelines are only rough ranges: product identity, dose, co-ingestants, metabolism, and medical events can change onset and duration. Do not assume severe symptoms will resolve on a schedule. Call emergency services for loss of consciousness, seizure, chest pain, severe overheating, trouble breathing, extreme agitation, or immediate danger.

Question 3

When should you call for emergency help during a psychedelic experience?

Accepted Answer

Call emergency services (911) if someone: loses consciousness, has a seizure, experiences dangerously elevated heart rate or temperature, shows signs of serotonin syndrome (muscle rigidity, high fever, agitation), becomes a danger to themselves or others, or has ingested an unknown substance. For psychological distress alone without physical emergency, call the Fireside Project psychedelic support line (62-FIRESIDE) before involving emergency services.