Managing 'bad trips': Nursing considerations and safety of psychedelic 'trip killers'.
Meghann L Costa, Maria Wheeler
Nursing July 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1097/NSG.0000000000000208 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsychedelic use in clinical settings is emerging as a treatment for psychiatric illnesses, but most use occurs recreationally without standard protocols, increasing the risk of adverse reactions or 'bad trips.' The article discusses the use and risks of 'trip killers' and 'trip sitters,' and outlines key considerations for nurses caring for patients who use these drugs.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelics Psychotherapy Trip killers Trip sitters Psychedelic harm reduction |
| Key finding | The absence of standard protocols in recreational psychedelic use elevates the risk of adverse reactions, and nurses need key considerations for patient care. |
Abstract
Psychedelic use in clinical settings is emerging as a way to treat a variety of psychiatric illnesses. However, psychedelic use primarily occurs in recreational settings, and the absence of standard protocols elevates the risk of users experiencing adverse reactions or "bad trips." This article discusses the use of and risks associated with "trip killers" or "trip sitters," and key considerations for nurses when caring for patients who use any of these drugs.