How to Be a Trip Sitter: 12 Steps
Introduction:
Trip sitting is the practice of staying sober and providing emotional support to people using psychedelic substances. This role is crucial in ensuring a safe and fulfilling experience for the user. Here are 12 steps to follow if you want to become a responsible and effective trip sitter.
1. Educate Yourself:
Learn about the effects, risks, and benefits of various psychedelic substances. Understand how they may affect a person’s mind, body, and emotions.
2. Communicate With the User:
Have an open conversation with the user before their trip. Discuss their intentions, expectations, prior experiences with psychedelics, and any concerns they may have.
3. Create a Comfortable Environment:
Set up a space that is clean, calm, and free from distractions or potential hazards. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and access to water are all essential elements.
4. Prepare Activities:
Provide activities for the user based on their interests and energy levels. Offer things like coloring books, music playlists, or nature walks to help guide their experience.
5. Establish Boundaries:
Be clear about your role as a trip sitter and what you are willing or not willing to do. Make sure the user understands these expectations before the experience begins.
6. Monitor Substance Intake:
Keep track of how much has been ingested and when it was taken. Supervise the user during consumption to ensure they don’t take too much or mix substances inappropriately.
7. Be Patient:
Psychedelic experiences can last several hours, so prepare yourself mentally for this duration of time investment. Remain present and engaged with the user throughout their journey.
8. Practice Active Listening:
Listen openly and empathetically to whatever the user wishes to discuss during their trip. Don’t judge or analyze; just provide support and validation for their feelings.
9. Keep Calm in Challenging Situations:
If the user experiences heightened anxiety or fear, remember to remain composed and reassuring. Guide them through breathing exercises and prompt them to focus on positive imagery.
10. Offer Emotional Support:
Validate and normalize any emotions that the user is experiencing. Encourage them to express their feelings in a healthy and non-judgmental environment.
11. Ensure Physical Safety:
Keep an eye on the user to ensure they don’t accidentally hurt themselves or engage in risky behavior during their trip.
12. Discuss the Experience Afterwards:
Once the effects of psychedelics have subsided, debrief with the user about their experience. Help them process any feelings or insights they might have gained from the trip.
Conclusion:
Becoming a trip sitter is an important responsibility that requires patience, understanding, and compassion. By following these 12 steps, you can help ensure that your friends and loved ones have a safe and meaningful psychedelic journey.