bad power trip meaning

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What Is a Power Trip? Exploring the Psychology, Signs, and Impact of Going on a Power Trip

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

The term “power trip” has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly is a power trip? In its simplest form, a power trip is when someone seeks to gain control over others by using their power or authority. This can manifest itself in different ways, such as through manipulation, bullying, or intimidation. It’s important to understand what a power trip is and the potential consequences it can have on relationships and mental health.

Exploring the Psychology Behind Power Trips

When it comes to understanding the motivations behind power trips, there are a few psychological factors at play. According to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, “Power trips are rooted in insecurity, narcissism, and a need to feel powerful and in control.” 1 People who go on power trips may be trying to compensate for a sense of inadequacy or to make up for a lack of self-esteem. They may also be driven by a need to prove themselves or to be seen as superior.

Another factor that may contribute to power trips is an individual’s ego. Ego can cause people to overestimate their capabilities and underestimate the capabilities of others. This can lead them to take on more than they can handle and to act in a controlling manner. As psychologist Dr. Gail Saltz explains, “People who are prone to power trips often have a sense of entitlement, which means they believe they should get what they want without having to work for it.” 2 This can lead to unrealistic expectations and a lack of empathy for those around them.

Examining Common Examples of Power Trips

Power trips can occur in many different contexts, but some of the most common examples are in the workplace, social settings, and family relationships. In the workplace, a power trip might involve a supervisor or manager who uses their position to manipulate or intimidate others. This could include setting unreasonable demands or expectations, micromanaging employees, or withholding praise or recognition. In social settings, a power trip could involve someone who tries to dominate conversations or make decisions for the group without considering other people’s opinions. In family relationships, a power trip might involve a parent who attempts to control their children’s behavior or choices.

Recognizing the Signs of a Power Trip

It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a power trip so you can address the issue before it escalates. Some common signs to watch out for include:

• Controlling behavior: A person on a power trip may attempt to control or dictate the behavior of those around them.
• Aggressive or demanding language: They may use aggressive language or demand things from others.
• Unreasonable expectations: They may set unrealistic expectations or make unreasonable demands.

Discussing the Impact of Power Trips on Relationships

Power trips can have a profound impact on relationships, both personal and professional. People who go on power trips tend to create tension and conflict, which can strain relationships and lead to feelings of resentment. Additionally, power trips can damage self-esteem and lead to feelings of worthlessness. Research shows that power trips can even have long-term effects on mental health, such as depression and anxiety. 3 It’s important to recognize the impact power trips can have and take steps to address the issue.

Exploring Ways to Avoid Going on a Power Trip

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid going on a power trip. The first step is to understand your own motivations. Ask yourself why you want to exert control over others and consider whether there are healthier ways to meet your needs. It’s also important to practice empathy and compromise. Make sure to listen to the perspectives of others and be open to making concessions. Finally, it’s important to set clear boundaries. Let people know what you expect from them and don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right.

In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of what a power trip is and the potential consequences it can have on relationships and mental health. Power trips are often driven by insecurity and ego and can manifest themselves in different ways. Recognizing the signs of a power trip is key to avoiding it and setting clear boundaries can help you maintain healthy relationships. By understanding the psychology behind power trips and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure that you don’t fall into the trap of trying to control others.

1 Durvasula, R. (2019, October 23). What is a Power Trip? Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-power-trip-4157783

2 Saltz, G. (2018, December 21). 8 Signs Someone Is on a Power Trip. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/201812/8-signs-someone-is-power-trip

3 Rudolph, K. D., & Hammen, C. (2002). Interpersonal stress and depression: Tests of transactional and diathesis-stress models. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 111(4), 602–614. doi: 10.1037/0021-843X.111.4.

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Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Let’s Talk About Bad Trips: Separating Difficult from Traumatic

Bad trips are a polarizing concept in psychedelics. acknowledging that they exist - and knowing how to work with them - can be healing..

Want to start a war on social media? Post something like this: “Bad trips exist.”

As somebody who has worked in the psychedelic space for years now and has supported many, many people during their trips, it’s time to come out of the closet and say it: people can be harmed by psychedelics, and bad trips exist.

But allow me to define the term “ bad trip ,” because the vague phrase has become too polarized to be meaningful.

When I talk about bad trips, I’m not talking about the harrowing, painful journeys to the underworld from which we return raw and exhausted, with some important piece of our healing work having been catalyzed.

When I talk about bad trips, I mean the trips that register in the body as a trauma or injury to the nervous system. And that is not , in fact, the same thing as a difficult trip.

What happens when we deny this truth is that we inadvertently alienate those who have had traumatic or harmful experiences. These people have endured a trauma, and are now being told that they have not.

So let’s talk about traumatic trips: The psychedelic experiences that leave us injured. Thankfully, they are rare.

I’m not just speaking from my observations as a clinician, but also from personal experience: I had a traumatic psychedelic experience on ayahuasca many years ago. I was decidedly “not okay” afterwards and required much time and support to recover.

Despite the shock and injury to my nervous system, I eventually used psychedelics again. In fact, in the eight or so years that have passed since the traumatic trip, I have openly supported the legalization of psychedelics, and have built two businesses centered around empowering people to heal with psychedelics.

I have also taken sabbaticals from my practice to work in other countries as a psychedelic facilitator. I am now a lead educator in the country’s first training program for psilocybin facilitators to be licensed by Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC). I’m a ketamine prescriber, and I train other prescribers in the use of ketamine for treating chronic pain and mood disorders. I lead and run intensive healing retreats. I’ve also taken my own fair share of mind altering substances in a variety of sets, settings, and time zones.

All of which is to say: I am no newcomer to the world of psychedelics.

And yet I cannot swallow the field’s echo-chamber-like mantra that “there is no such thing as a bad trip .” In fact, I find the rabidity with which some of my fellow cosmonauts deny the existence of bad trips to be rather disconcerting. In the more-than-one heated debate I’ve had about this topic, I’ve noticed certain patterns – or myths, if you will – around the topic of traumatic trips. I address each one here.

Myth: Bad Trips Only Happen When the Set and Setting Are Improper

If the word “only” didn’t appear in the above sentence, it would be true. In my experience in working with hundreds of patients who have used psychedelics – and in administering psychedelics myself – I’ll say that the vast majority of traumatic trips happen when the environment is not safe, calm, and supportive.

When we talk about set and setting in psychedelic harm reduction , we mean two things: (1) the person’s mindset when they took the drug, and (2) their physical environment. If somebody had just had an argument with their spouse before taking LSD, for example, that’s their set. If they were at a noisy, crowded music festival, that’s the setting. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the majority of bad trips happen when individuals on drugs feel overwhelmed in a noisy, chaotic setting like that of a concert or party. Drug-drug interactions are also often at play during difficult trips, for example, when people combine alcohol with psychedelics.

When people insist a little too strongly that, “There’s no such thing as a bad trip, if the set and setting are right,” I feel uneasy. It’s perhaps like asking a rape survivor, “Yeah, but what were you wearing?” (If you think the analogy of a bad trip and rape is too far of a reach, you luckily have never had a traumatic trip.)

There are other factors in psychedelic harm reduction that influence the outcomes. These include the substance being used, the dosage taken, and the people you’re with.

The night of my traumatic trip was the third of a three-night ayahuasca ceremony. I was there with my then-partner. I liked the other people attending. I trusted the facilitators completely and knew they were well trained and highly esteemed by their colleagues. The medicine was pure. The environment was soothing and well contained. The music was beautiful. The first half of the third ceremony was trippy, strange, and lovely.

After I drank my second dose of the brew, however, I was decidedly NOT OKAY. I will not describe the experience here, but I will say two things about it: (1) I felt like my nervous system was being gang raped, repeatedly, and (2) I can now absolutely understand why people with psychosis sometimes choose to die by suicide.

The facilitators of the circle took care of me, pulling me out of the ceremony space and letting me try to calm down outside. Somebody stayed with me at all times until I vomited up the salt water they gave me to drink.

There’s one factor of harm reduction we don’t discuss enough: dose. It’s possible that the second cup of ayahuasca I drank that night contained more voltage than my nervous system could handle – that it was too much, too fast, and too hard for me.

The Influence of Neuroticism

Aside from the environment, another factor that can predict bad trip potential is neuroticism. Neuroticism is one of the “Big Five” traits thought to collectively form the full picture of personality.

People who score high on neuroticism tend to overthink things, typically have a hard time relaxing, and may feel irritated in noisy settings or stressful situations. These folks are often described as “high strung.”

At least two studies have shown that people who score high on neuroticism scales are more likely to have a challenging psychedelic trip than those who score lower. [1] , [2] The theory behind this is that if a neurotic’s negative thoughts or feelings arise during a psychedelic trip, the person might get pulled into an amplification spiral of their own negativity.

But does that mean it’s somebody’s fault that if they tend towards neurosis and they have a bad trip? Aren’t psychedelics supposed to help heal negativity? What does it mean that the same drugs that help soothe negative thoughts and feelings can also make us feel worse? (Let a neurotic chew on that one.)

Once again, we could very easily slip into the territory of victim blaming if we are not mindful.

While writing this article, I took the Big Five Personality Test online. I scored in a higher-than-average percentile for negative emotionality (neuroticism). That may explain why grumpy cat is one of my heroes and why my friend Greg refers to me as “a female Larry David.” It could also explain why I’m one of the unlucky few who have had a traumatic psychedelic trip. (Side note: I also scored pretty high on open mindedness, so that could explain why got into psychedelics in the first place.)

Myth: Bad Trips Are Actually Just Difficult Experiences That Haven’t Been Integrated

I continue to stay in this field because traumatic trips are, indeed, exceedingly rare, and because the healing gains people typically experience from psychedelics are unparalleled by any other intervention I’ve found.

Working regularly with patients in non-ordinary states of consciousness, I see that the most challenging experiences are often the most rewarding. Drawing from my previous experiences in volunteering with the Zendo Project and White Bird , I teach my students the tenants of “trip sitting.”

As one of the Zendo principles states: difficult is not necessarily bad. Note that the phrase is not “difficult is not bad,” but rather, “ difficult is not necessarily bad. ” In other words, difficult can sometimes be bad.

Another layer to this argument is that if you wait long enough, the bad experience will prove itself to be good. This does, indeed, happen to many people after their challenging journeys. Yet there is a difference between suggesting this to a bad trip survivor and insisting that “everyone gets the trip they need.”

Many of my new-age peers have become allergic to the word “bad,” especially within the context of bad trips. “Is anything really bad?” I’m often asked. The argument here, as I understand it, is that with every cloud there comes a silver lining, and that silver lining might just hold a very valuable teaching for us.

I admit that my own traumatic trip gave me a lesson: It taught me that there is indeed such a thing as a bad trip. Another gift was that my bad trip helped me to better understand, validate, and support others who have been harmed by psychedelics. Another lesson was this: my bad trip was an amplifier of the toxic positivity that I see running rampant in the psychedelic field.

In fact, a patient once confessed to me, “I’m just so mad at her” – her being ayahuasca – “but everyone in the group is so in love with Great Grandmother that if I say one bad thing about her, it’ll be like heresy.” I noticed that he was clenching his jaw and only breathing into the upper part of his chest. I leaned forward, looked him in the eye, and said: “Tell me exactly what you think about that bitch – you won’t offend me.”

By the end of the hour, he had raged, wept, and laughed. His breath was reaching his abdomen and his jaw was relaxed. The client messaged me some days later, saying, “That was so healing for me just to be heard, to be able to say mean things without being afraid somebody would cancel me. Thank you.”

Perhaps for this client, “the medicine” was to be heard without anybody trying to stop him from expressing anger. Maybe the bad trip was just part of the arc that took him to that finale. I don’t know.

Myth: There’s No Such Thing as Bad

There’s that old story about the Zen master, whose son got a new horse. “What good luck!” The neighbors said. “We’ll see,” said the master. One day the son was thrown from the horse and broke his leg. “How terrible!” Said the neighbors. “We’ll see,” said the master. Then the country went to war, and the army came to recruit soldiers. Because the young man’s leg was broken, they army didn’t take him to battle. “How good!” said the neighbors. “We’ll see,” said the Zen master. Perhaps there is no good or bad.

What I’ve always found lacking in this story about the Zen master was the voice of his son – the one who actually fell from the horse.

Is a bad trip like falling from a horse? It absolutely can be. Yet something about the “you just haven’t integrated it yet, there’s gold there” argument feels like a dismissive bypass. Let us consider other situations in which we could apply such a statement:

• After getting food poisoning and vomiting for hours
• After taking penicillin and breaking out in a full body rash
• After going on a horrible date
• After surviving a sexual assault
• After your child has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness
• After losing a loved one to cancer
• After surviving a terrible accident that has resulted in disability
• After your cat has been run over by a car
• After losing a house to foreclosure

Would we really tell the people in the above hypothetical situations that there was no such thing as bad shellfish? No such thing as a bad drug reaction or a bad date? No such thing as rape? No such thing as a bad diagnosis, a bad prognosis? Or how about just a bad day? Or something as non-threatening as a bad movie, a bad haircut, or a bad parking job? Would we really tell somebody whose child just died to avoid using the word “bad” to describe her condition?

Perhaps it is true that none of these things are bad, and that all of them are blessings in disguise. But would we really get righteous about it on social media, the way some of us do about denying bad trips?

And what’s so bad about saying “bad,” anyway? Must everything truly be a blessing? (The neurotic writing this article needs to know.)

I’d also like to share the story of Becks. Becks was a 24-year-old female patient of mine with anorexia nervosa who did MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to heal from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) rooted in childhood sexual abuse.

In a follow-up visit, Becks told me that the MDMA-assisted therapy session (done with an underground provider) had done wonders for her. She was getting much more mileage out of her weekly therapy sessions. She was now remembering things she had repressed previously, and she was able to stay present when the memories arose.

Becks had also forgiven herself. She explained that without realizing it, she had blamed herself for what happened to her when she was a child, punishing herself through self-denigrating thoughts, food restriction, and high-risk drinking. Her MDMA-assisted therapy session helped her identify this pattern and realize that she didn’t deserve the blame or the punishment. Having forgiven herself, Becks was now sleeping better at night, eating when she was hungry, and avoiding alcohol. Clearly, much healing had occurred for her.

Yet Becks felt discouraged and worried. “I don’t think I’m doing it right,” she told me while pulling at the rings on her fingers.

“Why’s that?” I asked.

“Well,” she explained, “I know I’m supposed to get to this place where I feel like the trauma was a blessing – and that hasn’t happened.”

“You think you’re supposed to get to a place where you think that being repeatedly molested as a child is a blessing? ” I asked her.

“Yes,” she said with a defeated sigh as she looked at her shoes.

“Where’d you get that idea?”

Her head snapped up to look at me, breathless, huge-eyed. And then she burst out laughing. The laughter turned to tears. She sobbed and babbled something about a podcast she’d heard. Then she laughed some more. Her face lit up and the color returned to her cheeks.

“Becks, was being molested by your stepbrother every night a blessing?” I asked her.

“No, it was a fucking horrible nightmare that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy,” she declared.

“Okay,” I said, “and is it possible that it was a fucking horrible nightmare and that you still get to heal and have a happy adult life starting right now?” I asked.

“ Fuck yeah,” she said. And the look on her face told me she believed it.

(This, by the way, is what happens when you go to a doctor who scores high on neuroticism scales: We acknowledge and celebrate that life might be a fucked up mess sometimes, and that we can still heal even if we don’t buy into toxic positivity.)

(Also: I do have patients who come to see their traumas as gifts. It truly is a powerful and important step in their healing. But let’s not assume that healing cannot happen in other forms. Everyone’s path is different and valid.)

Myth: Talking About Bad Trips Is Going to Harm the Psychedelic Movement

On the day I graduated from medical school, I took an oath to First, Do No Harm . Sometimes, First, Do No Harm means doing the uncomfortable thing or saying what others don’t want to hear. In this case, it means acknowledging that there are risks to using psychedelic substances, and a traumatic trip is one of those risks.

Every therapy, every medicine, every experience comes with risks and benefits. One risk of taking vitamin C is that too much can cause diarrhea. One risk of antibiotics is that they can lead to vaginal yeast infections. One risk of using acetaminophen (paracetamol) is that it’s hard on the liver. One risk of eating a vegan diet is that it can deplete vitamin B12 stores and subsequently trigger depression. One risk of a life-saving surgery is that it can result in a lethal infection. And so forth.

Psychedelic medicines also come with their risks, and the risk of a traumatic trip should be on that list. Admittedly, it should be in small letters, towards the bottom of the list, next to the words “very rare when used in therapeutic contexts.” But traumatic trips are, in fact, “a thing.” They’re part of the fine print.

As far as I know, bad trips have not been reported in any of the clinical trials on psychedelics – but keep in mind that we haven’t had too many people go through the clinical trials as compared to the number of folks doing psychedelics “in the wild.” Bad trips may have also been down-played in the trials as “dysphoria” or “agitation” by the researchers.

Are the possible risks of psychedelic medicines worth wagering for the potential benefits? The answer to that question can only be answered on a case-by-case basis – as with any intervention.

For me personally: The healing engendered by psychedelics has far outweighed and more than redeemed the harm I’ve endured. Every time I take a psychedelic medicine now, I understand that I am taking a risk, and I make the clear, informed decision to proceed – or not to proceed, depending on the circumstance.

When I advocate for the destigmatization and legalization of psychedelics, furthermore, I don’t just act out of love for the movement: I act out of love for my patients.

What’s going to injure the psychedelic movement even more than a level-headed discussion about traumatic trips is the harm that may be caused by denying them.

How to Talk to a Bad Trip Survivor

So, what should we say to a survivor of a traumatic trip? Anything but: “There’s no such thing as a bad trip.”

If somebody tells you they’ve endured a bad trip, treat them as if they’d just told you that they survived an accident, an assault, or another kind of shock. Offer them comfort and support. Listen. Don’t ask them to prove the truth of what they say happened.

Essentially: treat them as you would treat the survivor of any kind of experience that was too much, too hard, and/or too fast for their mind, body, or spirit.

Remember that the word “trauma” does not refer to the distressing event itself, but rather to the resulting emotional and neurological response. Trauma can harm a person’s sense of Self, their sense of safety, their ability to navigate relationships, and their ability to regulate their emotions. Trauma, in other words, is injury to the nervous system that ripples outward. (To be clear: Trauma does not mean simply feeling uncomfortable or offended, as some people mistakenly use it.)

Even if integration of the experience would be helpful for the survivor – and might even help them stop using the term “bad trip” to describe it – that cannot happen at the beginning. The first thing the bad trip survivor likely needs is to know that they are safe now . The nightmare has ended, and they are loved and supported by trustworthy people who care.

How can we help others feel safe? By our presence. By regulating our own breath. By listening. By letting them know that we believe them. By showing empathy. By making them soup, gifting them a massage, or offering to pick their kids up from school. By being kind.

Even if the traumatic trip was the result of poor planning, improper set and setting, or other user error, hold your tongue for now. Think of how you might react if a friend was in a terrible car accident that resulted from driving when they were overly tired.

Think of how you might respond if a child dragged a chair to the kitchen counter and climbed atop it to try and reach the off-limits cookie jar sitting high up on a shelf – only to tumble backwards and slam onto the floor. Would you shout, “Well, that’s what you get for climbing on the chair!” while the poor kiddo cried on the linoleum? I hope not. I hope you would sit by their side, hug them, and stroke their hair. Once you felt their breathing return to normal and the smile return to their face – and not a second sooner – might you ask, “Honey, remember what we said about climbing on the furniture?”

Healing From My Bad Trip

It took me almost eight years to feel like I had fully integrated my bad trip. Curiously, what helped me complete the arc from wound to health was a peyote ceremony.

What prolonged my healing was people insisting that there was no such thing as a bad trip. I heard this line in my ayahuasca circle, at psychedelic conferences, on social media, on podcasts, and in books. The experience-denying and victim-blaming made me feel angry and alone.

Another factor that delayed my full recovery was peer pressure. Buckling to the well-intentioned insistence of friends, I returned to the ayahuasca circle (and other psychedelic circles) sooner than I truly wanted to. This meant that I was taking medicines with a mindset of doubt and fear, which resulted in several dysphoric, confusing, and terrifying journeys that only compounded the injury.

I was fortunate to find a healer who believed in bad trips and who confirmed that I was not fully in my body. Through regular sessions, I was able to return. While my therapist hadn’t had much psychedelic experience herself, she at least believed me. That allowed us to start from a place of trust and not from a place of defensiveness. I also took a break from psychedelics and instead cultivated gentler, more predictable health-affirming practices like singing and going to the gym.

Years after the experience, I read about the concept of “too much, too hard, too fast” in a book about psychedelic facilitation. I felt a surge of heat rush to my face as I read the words; hot tears filled my eyes. I hadn’t made it up. It had happened to me. I wasn’t weak, or stupid, or crazy. But why was the truth so hard for other people to accept?

I’m grateful to my own stubborn will to get better – to that spark within me that keeps me seeking out people, places, and things that can help me heal, grow, and learn.

There was, indeed, some good that came from my bad trip on ayahuasca all those years ago. The seams of that horrific shroud were sewn with golden thread. I am grateful for the blessings gleaned.

I am also grateful to my unconditionally supportive family, friends, and partner, and to Grandfather Peyote for helping me weave the blessings into my life and pull back the heavy curtain.

I had a bad trip, and that’s okay.

And you know? Considering that I’m a neurotic, I’m pretty proud of myself for saying so.

Follow your Curiosity

[1] Barrett FS, Johnson MW, Griffiths RR. Neuroticism is associated with challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms. Pers Individ Dif. 2017 Oct 15;117:155-160. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.06.004 .

[2] Petter Grahl Johnstad (2021) The Psychedelic Personality: Personality Structure and Associations in a Sample of Psychedelics Users, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 53:2, 97-103,  DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1842569

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11 Signs Of An Ego-Tripping & Power Hungry Leader

Leadership is all about character , integrity and guiding your team in the right direction.

Even if this job requires a sense of humility , some leaders can get ahead of themselves, let their ego run their world, crave and abuse their power.

Unfortunately, without even knowing it, the best leaders can also get consumed by ego and power.

Wondering if you are ego-tripping or if you are a power-hungry leader?

We have all worked in environments where leaders have completely lost their minds, letting their ego drive their decisions, searching for power or being completely drunk on power.

These leaders are said to be ego-tripping, power-tripping or power-hungry.

Below are the 11 signs revealing whether or not you are power-hungry or ego-tripping.

1. Power-hungry leaders are bullies

They bully their team members to ensure dominance and to kill any potential that would threaten their sense of power.

They overtly criticize others, take cheap shots and undermine the success of the entire team by creating chaos.

They are known to sabotage their team members because they think that they will move forward without them.

2. Power-hungry leaders are empty individuals

They are not whole individuals.

Truth is, they have a heightened sense of self, very low self-esteem and need to constantly feed their ego.

Furthermore, they are not self-aware , mindful of their actions, have low self-esteem and an unhealthy work-life balance.

3. Power-hungry leaders hide deep insecurities

Ego tripping and power-hungry individuals are weak-minded and will give anything to fill that inner void. For most, ego-tripping and power-hungry people are people who have felt powerless while growing up.

Deep inside, they are weak, are cowards, fear their own shadow, don’t have real power and they know it. They are unstable and easy to break.

To the world, they act tough and search for the weaknesses of everyone.

4. Power-hungry leaders jealousy has no bound

They get jealous when other people do better than they do or hold the position they want. They want to be the only one to shine and won’t hesitate to dim the light of others.

5. Power-hungry leaders think rank is enough

They think that their rank and role in the organization is enough to command respect.

Indeed, they pull rank whenever they feel threatened. Unfortunately, they tend to lose all the respect that they so crave.

6. Power-hungry leaders shut down dissenting voices

They remove dissenting voices or anyone who would oppose them.

Instead, they favor yes men, force people to bow down, to submit to their will, to agree with them, to follow them even if they are wrong.

Basically, it’s their way or the high way.

7. Power-hungry leaders believe status is everything

They often remind everyone around them of their titles and past accomplishments. They overshare and over-exaggerate their achievements.

They demonstrate a sense of superiority and use their status to build up their sense of self-worth .

8. Power-hungry leaders always compete with others

To feed their ego, they compete with people or powerful leaders who may not know that they are competing.

They think life is a competition. Even worse, some believe that life is a game and people are pieces on their chessboard.

9. Power-hungry leaders only social climb

They only network with powerful people and use them to social climb.

They look to climb the social ladder, thirsty for notoriety and take part in the most influential situations. They name drop powerful leaders they know in order to get respect and to feel superior.

10. Power-hungry leaders want to control everything and everyone

They tend to micromanage and don’t trust the people around them.

For this reason, they constantly seek control and leverage over others.

11. Power-hungry leaders encourage toxicity

They thrive in chaos, encourage toxic behavior and competition.

They may even gossip and create false narratives to foster a negative environment.

Last Words Of Advice!

Wanting and having power is not always a negative thing. You simply have to want it for the right reasons in order to go the distance. Otherwise, you will rapidly crash and burn.

If you come across one of those power-hungry leaders, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.

Hope that I’ve helped you get it together on your way to leadership!

Don’t forget to like, share and leave a comment below.

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Power tripping: what to do when someone misuses their authority at work

Sep 22, 2020

Journaliste indépendante

“Constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.” French philosopher, Montesquieu’s theory was that people with power have a natural tendency to abuse it. His words seem to be as true today as they were in the 18th century. Just take a look at the huge number of claims of harassment voiced during the #MeToo movement, as well as the many high-profile cases such as those citing President Donald Trump, Harvey Weinstein, and the late Jeffrey Epstein. Here in the UK, we are no more advanced: only a minority of universities have a policy against student-staff relationships.

But what exactly is the abuse of power in the business world? We hear a lot about sexual and psychological harassment, but are there other forms that the abuse may take? How can we recognize them? And how can employers strive to prevent them from happening? To find out more, we looked into what happens when power dynamics in the workplace become toxic .

What does “abuse of power” mean exactly?

Awareness of sexual harassment has increased in recent years, but it would be unwise to limit the definition of abuse of power to these particular forms. Abuse of power can be defined as any excessive exercise of a power by an individual. It’s when that individual uses their capabilities outside the usual scope of action or, in simpler terms, they exceed the limit of their rights. Legally, an employer has the right to:

• Change the working conditions of employees (but they may not change employment contracts without employee consent)
• Impose disciplinary action (but they may not proceed to dismissal without genuine and serious cause)
• Choose to hire one person over another (but they may not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, or religion, for example).

Additionally, any decision made by an individual employer that is not made purely in the best interests of the company, but is instead primarily intended to directly harm an employee’s working conditions, may be considered an abuse of power.

While sexual harassment may seem the most “obvious” misuse of power in the workplace, it is not the only form. Misuse of power can also manifest as intimidation, humiliation, threats, or mockery . Through these means, employers can isolate targeted employees, hound them by micromanaging their work , demote them without good cause, overload them with work or r efuse to give them with enough to do , constantly [criticize https://www.welcometothejungle.com/en/articles/workplace-bullying ) them, demand justifications for their actions, or publicly dismiss any ideas or proposals they put forward––the list is long.

The Power Paradox

While every abuse of power case is unique, it is common for those in positions of power to be tempted to abuse it, even though they have likely acquired that power through genuine, laudable qualities. This is what the American professor and psychologist Dacher Keltner calls “the power paradox” : “In the behavioral research I’ve conducted over the past 20 years, I’ve uncovered a disturbing pattern: while people usually gain power through traits and actions that advance the interests of others, such as empathy, collaboration, openness, fairness, and sharing; when they start to feel powerful or enjoy a position of privilege, those qualities begin to fade. The powerful are more likely than other people to engage in rude, selfish, and unethical behavior,” he notes. Keltner also found that businesspeople in positions of power are three times more likely than their subordinates to interrupt colleagues , ignore them, or take other unwelcome actions during meetings, or to raise their voices or insult others in the office.

Power contributes to a loss of empathy among those who wield it. Because those in power no longer feel compelled to pay attention to the needs of others to ensure their own progression and position, they tend to develop a lack of both empathy and compassion. This not only makes it more difficult for them to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, but it’s also likely to make them more impulsive and more likely to take risks. These phenomena were observed by Professor Sukhvinder Obhi, a neuroscientist at McMaster University in Canada, who observed what was happening in the brains of people in positions of power and those in subordinate positions. It turned out that in the “powerful” group, the functioning of mirror neurons, which are responsible for empathy, was impaired . Professor Obhi provided scientific evidence that the brain chemistry of powerful individuals can hinder their efforts to show empathy and compassion towards others.

Serious consequences

The lack of empathy that so often accompanies power misuse can have profoundly serious consequences , both for the victimized employee and for the company.

In a survey conducted by American professors Christine Porath and Christine Pearson with 800 managers and employees across 17 industries, about half of those surveyed who reported being subjected to abuse of power said they responded by deliberately reducing their efforts and/or lowering the quality of their work. This demotivation can be extremely powerful itself, sometimes even leading employees to stop caring about their work altogether.

Companies suffer when there is a widespread lack of motivation, but those individuals who are being mistreated should not be forgotten. Stress, anxiety, feelings of isolation, and a deep sense of injustice are some of the most common symptoms among the victims. If it happens consistently and repeatedly, the misuse of power can ultimately lead to burn-out and depression.

For Marion, an office manager at a small communications agency, it took a while before she could adequately describe her condition: “My boss often asked me to do little things for him, which were not part of my job, such as running errands, booking his holidays, going to his place to get his keys. At first, I did these things for him as a favor, but then it ended up encroaching on my actual job. I didn’t know how to say no, but I was getting more and more stressed, and was going to work with knots in my stomach. I felt that something was definitely wrong, but I couldn’t talk about it. Eventually, I went to my doctor about my anxiety attacks, which were becoming more and more frequent, and he immediately diagnosed me with burn-out.”

Talking about it isn’t enough: the spectre of sexual harassment

Although there’s increased visibility of workplace abuses of power, particularly with regards to cases of sexual harassment, there’s still an enormous amount to do. It’s particularly worth remembering that, according to a survey carried out by the Everyday Sexism project in conjunction with the TUC, more than half of women surveyed in the UK reported being the victims of unwanted sexual behavior at work. However, only 20% of those affected had opened up to a colleague about the issue, and only 5% had spoken to someone who potentially had the authority to act on what had happened.

In seeking to remedy this, the UK government instituted a public consultation in mid-2019, which sought opinions on whether “the current laws on this issue provide the protections they’re supposed to; considering whether there are any gaps and thinking about what more can be done at a practical level to ensure people are properly protected at work” . Nevertheless, progress on the issue remains difficult to measure since nearly a year after the consultation closed, no steps have been taken based on the results of the consultation. Indeed, the results themselves have not been revealed publicly yet. In an environment such as this, it’s impossible to avoid the conclusion that victims of sexually-oriented abuses of power have to rely on solutions and structures initiated by their employers.

Prevention campaigns and support groups

The majority of studies agree that to deal with the various issues related to abuse of power, prevention efforts must first be put in place within companies.

According to Christine Marsan, a psychologist, coach, and the author of ‘Violence in Business and How to Avoid It’, the first step is educating executives about the complexity of the workplace as it is today: “Young people today need meaning, they need power to be shared, and they seek to understand the purpose of the actions they are being asked to take. It’s no longer possible to manage by diktat. The most common complaints relating to abuses of power are regarding orders that make no sense, contradictory demands, management by stress…because managers promote the values of openness and cooperation but fail to apply them in their own management, managers get trapped in their own contradictions, and will pass them on to others through ordering one thing while doing another.” To remedy this, it’s necessary to train business leaders to share power with the lower members of the hierarchy, to recognize the uniqueness of each employee, and to adapt to a view of business that is more progressive: specifically, organizations where decisions are more and more collective , and where power is no longer entirely held by a single person or leadership group.

In its practical guide, entitled “Sexual harassment and harassment at work: technical guidance,” the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission gives employees a legal explanation and practical examples of how to tackle and respond effectively to harassment, including examples of harassment and victimization, the effects of harassment in the workplace, employers’ responsibilities and how to prevent and respond to harassment.

While #MeToo has enabled an undeniable release of speech and the implementation of certain measures against sexual harassment and power misuse, there is still a long way to go when it comes to prevention in business.

Translated by Andrea Schwam

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How To Deal With A Boss On A Power Trip

A boss on a power trip can give you a tough time and make your easy job a difficult one. Such people suck the good vibes out of you and push you into a negative environment.

9 Tips To Deal With A Boss On A Power Trip

Power tripper bosses create a toxic environment by spreading rumors and enforce their atrocity.

According to the boss, employees who praise and accept their boss’s authority are good. But people who go against them and try to show them the mirror will be their ultimate enemies.

In that case, bosses can do whatever it takes to make the lives of such employees a burning hell. But this article can help you with how to deal with a boss on a power trip.

1. Keep Little But Necessary Interaction With Them:

People who are on a power trip can turn a good environment into toxic. If you often interact with your boss and she gossips about you, she might mess up with your mind.

Such bosses give unnecessary tips to their employees and tell them how to do their job . Yet they don’t know how to do their own jobs.

You should talk to your boss only when it’s too urgent, otherwise do your work and focus on your job. Avoid wasting time on your power tripper boss.

2. Leave Your Boss Alone In His Wonderland:

If your boss thinks he’s the best , let him enjoy his fantasies and leave him in his wonderland. The boss is already emotionally broken, he can do nothing except making things miserable for everyone.

It would be better to leave such people on their own and let them do whatever they want.

Avoid clarifying anything to your boss because he’s already on a power trip and won’t believe whatever you say.

3. How To Deal With A Boss On A Power Trip – Don’t Let Their Actions Affect You:

It’d be good to keep a safe distance, but you also have to make sure that their actions don’t leave a negative impact on you.

While working under such bosses, it’s easier to lose your temper sometimes and ruin things. But that’s what you have to take control of.

Don’t fell victim to their traps and avoid losing hope in your job. Keep your confidence level high and deal with this workplace issue like a boss .

4. Avoid Getting Into An Argument With Them:

As mentioned before, it won’t be of any use to argue with such people who believe power is everything. They won’t ever accept a valid point and argue as much as they can to prove themselves right.

So it would be just a wastage of your time and energy to argue with your boss who’s on a power trip.

Let them believe in their self-made truths and rely on their falsified beliefs.

5. Don’t Brag About Your Achievements To Deal With A Boss On A Power Trip:

When you talk about your success, your power tripper boss will start talking about his own.

He can’t see anyone else taking the limelight and loves to make people praise him for his achievements.

If you want to work in this job and have no other option, praising your boss’s success will be good.

Although you’ve been successful and got so many achievements, you’ve to keep it to yourself.

6. Document Their Behavior – When It Goes Unbearable:

If your boss’s annoyance is going beyond your patience, you can prepare to report this behavior.

Get his actions documented in writing, collect evidence that highlights his power trip.

Gather all your collected evidence in a file and prepare to meet the management in this regard.

However, if you don’t want to report it and continue doing it because you don’t have another job, go to HR.

7. How To Deal With A Boss On A Power Trip – Seek Guidance From HR:

In case if you’re stuck at what you should do next to get rid of your power tripper boss, seek help from HR.

They can guide you better about how to save your career while doing this job. Or they might suggest you find a new job as this one’s causing damage to your mental health.

Whatever you want to do next, be cautious as your boss, who’s on a power trip, can create trouble for you.

8. If It Doesn’t Go Well – Get Ready For Job Hunt:

Regardless of what condition your job is in, you must always be ready to face anything coming your way.

If you’ve made up your mind about leaving this job, you should rehearse your interview speech. Also, prepare a nice and impressive resume to increase the opportunity to find a good job.

When you begin your job hunt, keep in mind that your new boss can be difficult to deal with as well. But that shouldn’t keep you from chasing your goals.

9. Get Yourself A Better Boss – Time To Quit:

There’s always an option of getting yourself a better boss, don’t force yourself to work in a toxic environment.

A boss on a power trip will demand double-energy from you, one to do your job and the other to get along with his nonsense.

It can be really exhausting to do both at the same time. So you should quit working with him if the water goes over your head.

How To Know If Someone Is On A Power Trip – 6 Visible Signs

Identifying power trippers is important, they can be making your job difficult without you knowing. You’d be able to deal with your boss who’s on a power trip only when you know his traits.

So here are some signs to know if someone is on a power trip.

1. They’re Shallow Inside:

Such people always pretend to be the best ones, while in reality, they’re not. They always make noise of “I’m the best,” yet they lack so many basic skills.

For instance, power trippers don’t know how to control their anger and manage things at the workplace.

You’ll constantly be filling their self-esteem and ego, but still, your boss wouldn’t be happy with you.

2. Power Hunger Makes Them Toxic:

Your boss is surely on a power trip if he loves the overly competitive environment. He encourages toxic behavior in employees and spread rumors to create toxicity in the workplace.

A toxic environment at work itself indicates that there’s a power tripper who’s making things worse.

3. These People Want Status:

A boss who is on a power trip craves status and authority to control people around him. He wants to take everything in control.

You’ll see your boss reminding everyone that he’s the boss and he holds superiority over them.

He always talks about how he came along the way and what achievements he made in the past.

4. Loves To Force People To Bow Down:

These people want to command respect from everyone working with them. They’d be happy to see people bowing down to them.

It creates a sense of power and authority in their mind, and they think that this is a success. Doing whatever it takes to be powerful and superior is what they do at work all day.

5. There’s Infinite Jealousy:

Power trippers can’t see other people doing better than themselves; they want to look the best . There’s visible jealousy you can see on their faces.

They want to be the only “good” person in the workplace with all the limelight. They won’t bear anyone else being successful.

6. They’ve Dark Insecurities:

Power seekers always have some dark insecurities which they hide behind layers.

Such people, when put into groups to work, are the ones that feel most powerless. So when they get this power, they try their best to hide their insecurities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you handle someone on power trips.

Dealing with someone on power trips can be a bit difficult, but it’s not impossible at all. You shouldn’t engage with such people and focus on work. You must speak to the topic and not to the person. Ask for clarification to see if they really meant what they said.

What Do You Do When Your Boss Overlooks You?

First of all, don’t assume your boss’s intentions as bad ones; he might be just doing his work. Flip the lens and see the perspective of his side. You should prepare yourself to talk to your boss and have a dedicated yet positive conversation. Don’t lose any chance of making yourself visible.

Why Is My Boss On A Power Trip?

People who are insecure in their own authority are more likely to be in on power trips. If they train someone lower than them and that person happens to be more superior, the proud trainer will be on a power trip.

How Do You Deal With A Power-Hungry Person?

You can handle a power-hungry person by talking to them, telling them that you’re concerned, but not insult them. Also, offer them feedback more as a friend and not as a competitor so they can assess themselves.

Dealing with a boss who’s on a power trip can be exhausting, and it might leave you with no energy at the end of the day.

But if it’s necessary for your job and you haven’t a new job lined up for yourself, then you’ll have to do it anyways.

However, a strategic way of dealing with your power tripper can save your time and energy .

We hope you found these tips to deal with a boss on a power trip useful.

You can share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Last Updated on 2 hours by Shahzaib Arshad

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Definition of power trip

Examples of power trip in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'power trip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Power trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20trip. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

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What Is a Bad Trip?

Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Psychedelic drugs such as LSD, mushrooms, and Molly can cause hallucinations known as a “bad trip”. Learn what causes a bad trip, how to identify warning signs, and how to stop it.

A trip refers to the intoxication from a drug that causes hallucinations. It is called a trip because the sensations that a psychedelic ( hallucination-causing ) drug causes can be so strange that it feels as if you are in a whole different world. A bad trip, also sometimes called a bad  acid  trip, occurs when the trip a psychedelic drug causes is negative.

Bad trips can lead to excessive fear, agitation or emotionally disturbing situations. Someone who is having a bad trip may feel as if time is standing still and may have disturbing hallucinations that cause extreme fear or mood swings.

What Causes a Bad Trip?

There are several things that can  increase the probability of a bad trip , but anyone who is using psychedelic substances is at risk of having a bad trip. Some of the things that can increase the risk of having a bad trip include:

• Taking higher doses of a psychedelic drug
• Being in a negative emotional state before using or while using psychedelics
• Being in settings with excessive stimulation
• Using  alcohol  at the same time as using a psychedelic drug
• Not having someone stay with you while using psychedelic drugs
• Not drinking enough water

While avoiding these risks can reduce your chances of having a bad trip, anyone can have a bad trip at any time while using psychedelics. Someone who has been using psychedelic drugs for years and has never had a bad trip can have a bad trip while using, even if they have not changed anything about how they use.

Drugs That Can Cause a Bad Trip

Any drug that can cause hallucinations and lead to a trip can cause a bad trip. These drugs are called psychedelic drugs and are often used for the hallucinations they create. Some common psychedelic drugs include:

• LSD  – Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), also known as  acid , is primarily taken for the hallucination that it creates. LSD is probably the best known psychedelic drug.
• DMT  – N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a powerful psychedelic drug that can lead to a bad trip. Because of how strong the effects of  DMT  are, it is more likely to lead to a bad trip than many other psychedelic drugs.( See More:  What is DMT
• Mushrooms  – Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as “shrooms” or “magic mushrooms,” are hallucinogenic fungi that can lead to a bad trip. A bad mushroom trip may also be referred to as a bad shroom trip.
• Molly  – Molly, a slang name for the drug  MDMA , is a psychedelic drug that is commonly used in parties or raves. Bad molly trips are more common in situations where people become dehydrated from over-partying.
• Salvia  – Salvia, also known as “sage of the diviners,” is a hallucinogenic drug that is shorter-acting and more potent than many other psychedelic drugs. Bad trips while using  salvia  are reported to be more terrifying than those experienced while using other psychedelic drugs.
• Marijuana  – Bad trips while using  marijuana  are uncommon, but can definitely still occur. Some of the most common bad trip symptoms occurring with weed are anxiety and facial numbness.

Symptoms of a Bad Trip

Bad acid trip symptoms are highly individualized and may be different from previous bad trip symptoms for the same individual. Some common bad trip symptoms include:

• A sensation that time is standing still
• Negative thoughts or interpretations of events around you
• Extreme paranoia
• Extreme and sudden mood swings
• Negative hallucinations that may include sensations, sounds or sights

If you are with someone who is experiencing these symptoms and they have recently been using a psychedelic drug, they could be having a bad trip. If you are with someone who is having these symptoms and you are not sure if they have taken any drugs, you should take them to the nearest hospital or call 911.

How to Stop a Bad Trip

Stopping a bad trip may not be possible, but there are things that can be done to  help someone who is having a bad trip . If someone is having a bad trip, they should be moved away from noise and stimulation, as this can make a bad trip worse. A bad trip guide can also help. This involves having someone who is sober stay with the person having the bad trip and talk them through the trip. Not everyone will benefit from a bad trip guide, and some people may develop a paranoid attitude towards the guide or even become aggressive.

Some medications may help to stop a bad trip, but these can only be given in a hospital. Calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room can help provide someone who is having a bad trip with these medications.

Related Topic:   Treatment options for LSD

Carbonaro, T.M., et al. “ Survey Study of Challenging Experiences […]egative Consequences .” Journal of Psychopharmacology, August 20, 2016. Accessed August 14, 2019.

Davis, Kathleen. “ Salvia: What Are the Effects? ” Medical News Today, January 16, 2019. Accessed August 14, 2019.

Sturtz, Rachel. “ Refinery29: 7 Ways To Help Someone Who’s Having A Bad Trip .” Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, 2019. Accessed August 14, 2019.

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Bad Psychedelic Trips: Causes, Coping, and Prevention

Written by: Mushroom Tao

Exploring psychedelics can lead to both enlightenment and difficult experiences, known as "bad trips," characterized by distress and discomfort. Understanding causes, such as mindset and environment, and employing strategies like changing settings or grounding techniques, can help navigate these challenges. Preparation and integration are key to transforming these experiences into opportunities for growth, emphasizing the importance of a respectful and informed approach to psychedelic exploration.

The world of psychedelics offers a vast spectrum of experiences, ranging from life-changing insights to moments of sheer bliss. However, like any profound exploration, venturing into the entheogenic realm can be challenging. One term often discussed in psychedelic circles is the "bad trip." Understanding what constitutes a bad trip, its causes, and how to navigate or prevent one can ensure a safer and more beneficial psychedelic experience.

1. The Psychedelic Abyss: What is a Bad Trip?

A "bad trip" is a term some psychedelic explorers use to describe a distressing, often terrifying experience while under the influence of these substances. While many individuals seek out psychedelics for their potential for profound insights and transformative experiences, not every journey features bright colors and limitless joy. Here's a deeper dive into the intricacies of a bad trip:

• Spectrum of Experiences: The severity and nature of bad trips can vary widely. Some might experience a slight unease or discomfort, while others could confront overwhelming dread, despair, or disorientation. ‍
• Physical Manifestations: It's not just the mind that can be affected. One might also experience physical symptoms like nausea, increased heart rate, or feeling trapped or constricted. Sometimes, the journeyer might lose control of their body movements, which can be frightening. ‍
• Triggering Factors: Bad trips can be spontaneous, but often there are identifiable triggers. These can include an unsettling comment someone makes, a particular song or smell, or even a sudden change in lighting. These phenomena can trigger past traumas, seemingly buried deep within, to resurface during a journey. ‍
• Temporal Distortion: A hallmark of many psychedelic experiences, time can seem to stretch, making minutes feel like hours. This phenomenon can intensify the feeling of being stuck in a negative loop. ‍
• Potential for Growth: While the experience can be jarring, many in the psychedelic community and therapeutic circles believe that bad trips can act as a mirror, reflecting aspects of ourselves that might need attention or healing. Navigating these dark waters, especially with the support of therapy or integration practices, can lead to deep personal growth and understanding. ‍
• The Importance of Set and Setting: The mindset one has going into a trip (set) and the environment in which it occurs (setting) are fundamental. Being in a negative headspace or an unfamiliar or unsafe environment can increase the likelihood of a challenging experience.

"While the notion of a bad trip might seem like an impediment, in the broader tapestry of psychedelic exploration, it's a thread that adds depth, texture, and richness. With the right mindset, what initially appears as a setback can be the very catalyst that propels one towards personal transformation and enlightenment."

In essence, while daunting in the moment, a bad trip is a complex interplay of one's psyche, external factors, and the substance itself. Recognizing its potential as a learning opportunity and a path to deeper self-awareness can change how we approach and integrate these unpleasant journeys.

2. Roots of the Experience: Understanding the Causes of Bad Trips

Venturing into the realm of psychedelics is akin to exploring vast, uncharted territories of the mind. Like any expedition, several factors can determine whether the journey is smooth or challenging. Understanding the potential pitfalls can help in navigating this complex landscape. Let's dissect the primary causes of bad trips in greater detail:

Set and Setting

• Mindset (Set): Our internal emotional and mental state acts as the lens through which we experience the trip. A psychedelic journey can amplify feelings of anxiety, stress, or unresolved emotional issues, leading to uncomfortable or even traumatic trip sequences. You can still go on a journey when experiencing unpleasant emotional states, but you should prepare to confront and work through them. ‍
• Environment (Setting): A chaotic, noisy, or unfamiliar environment can disorient users, making them feel unsafe or anxious. It's not just about the physical space; the people around, the music, and even the lighting can significantly shape the journey's narrative.

Taking a dose higher than one's comfort level or without understanding its potency can plunge an individual into overpoweringly intense visuals, sensations, and emotions. It's essential to start low and go slow, especially with unfamiliar substances or sources, so one can gradually understand their limits.

Pre-existing Mental Health Issues

Individuals with anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, or severe depression might have a heightened risk of adverse experiences. If you have a history of psychotic episodes, please take extreme caution before exploring psychedelics. It's not just the potential for a challenging trip; psychedelics can exacerbate certain conditions or bring latent issues to the surface. Before venturing into psychedelics, a thorough  mental health screening and consultation with professionals  is advisable.

Interactions with Other Substances

Each substance, be it alcohol, prescription medication, or other recreational drugs, has a unique interaction with psychedelics. Some combinations can intensify effects, while others might lead to unsettling physical or mental responses. It's essential to be  informed and cautious about potential interactions .

Awareness, preparation, and respect for the sacraments ensure a more harmonious and beneficial experience.

3. Navigating the Storm: Coping with a Bad Trip

Embarking on a psychedelic journey brings the potential for both enlightenment and challenge. When faced with the latter, knowing how to maneuver through turbulent waters can be the difference between a harrowing ordeal and a beneficial learning experience. Here's a more detailed exploration of strategies to cope with a bad trip:

Change the Environment: A Reset Button

The surroundings can significantly impact the trip's tone. If a room feels claustrophobic or a particular song is triggering unease, making a change can act as a reset. Switching to soothing music, dimming the lights, or even stepping outside for fresh air can provide immediate relief and a shift in perspective.

Grounding Techniques: Anchoring to Reality

Amid a psychedelic whirlwind, grounding techniques act as an anchor, offering a touchpoint to reality.

• Breathing: Deep, conscious breaths can act as a calming rhythm, pulling attention away from spiraling thoughts and focusing on the here and now. You might visualize your connection with the earth. ‍
• Physical Connection: Holding onto a familiar object, like jewelry, a blanket, or a stone, can offer comfort. Consider putting your feet on the grass if you have an outdoor space. Some individuals prepare 'trip kits' with items that have sentimental value or are tactilely pleasing. ‍
• Hydration: Sipping on water or herbal tea keeps you hydrated, and the act can be a rhythmic, grounding experience. Nourishment, such as coconut water or fresh fruit, are small pleasures that can shift one's mind during challenging moments.

Seek Comfort: The Power of Presence

We cannot overstate the value of a  compassionate, understanding companion  during a bad trip. A tripsitter or trusted friend can act as a lighthouse, offering guidance and comfort amidst the storm. Their smile, a hand to hold, or gentle words can immediately soothe anxiety.

Remind Yourself: The Temporary Nature of the Experience

Amidst the intensity, losing perspective and feeling trapped in the experience can be natural. Taking a moment to consciously remind yourself that you've ingested a substance and that its effects, no matter how overwhelming, are temporary can be grounding. Some individuals find it helpful to have written notes or messages prepared in advance as reassuring touchpoints.

While challenges might arise during your psychedelic experience, these strategies can transform these moments from unpleasant hurdles into profound opportunities for growth and insight.

4. Laying the Groundwork: Prevention is Better Than Cure

Embarking on a psychedelic journey carries inherent risks and rewards. Invest time and energy into preparation to maximize the benefits and minimize potential pitfalls. Much like a traveler preparing for a voyage, the right tools and knowledge can make all the difference. Here's an in-depth look into preemptive measures to ensure a more positive experience:

Educate Yourself: Knowledge as Your Compass

Psychedelics, though transformative, are complex substances. Before diving in, you must familiarize yourself with the chosen substance.

• Research: Dive into reliable sources, books, and firsthand accounts for a holistic view of what to expect. ‍
• Effects: Each psychedelic has its unique effects, duration, and intensity. Knowing these can help you prepare mentally and physically. ‍
• Dosage: Familiarize yourself with standard dosages and understand the implications of varying doses. A small dose can offer profound insights without overwhelming. Consider practicing microdosing for a few weeks or days before delving into a more substantial journey to feel how you respond to small doses.

Create a Safe Space: Your Sanctuary

The environment plays a crucial role in shaping the trip's direction. Setting up a nurturing space can act as a safety net.

• Personal Touch: Add soothing elements such as soft lighting, comforting blankets, or your favorite incense. ‍
• Avoid Disturbances: Ensure privacy. Switching off phones or putting them on 'Do Not Disturb' mode can prevent unexpected disruptions. ‍
• Nature's Embrace: Access to a calm outdoor setting, like a garden, can be therapeutic.

Have a Trusted Sitter: Your Psychedelic Guardian

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned tripper, the presence of a  trusted, sober individual  can be invaluable.

• Experience Matters: A sitter with experience in psychedelics can offer insights, assurance, and guidance. ‍
• Clear Communication : Discuss your intentions, fears, and boundaries with your sitter before the trip, ensuring they know how best to support you.

Respect the Substance: Approaching with Reverence

These potent medicines offer windows into our psyche and the universe at large. Never underestimate their power.

• Intentionality : Set a clear intention for your journey. Whether it's seeking healing, insight, or simply exploration, knowing your 'why' can guide the experience. ‍
• Avoid Mixtures : Refrain from mixing psychedelics with other substances, including alcohol, which can muddy the waters and lead to unpredictable effects.

Proper preparation doesn't just reduce the chances of a challenging trip but enhances the depth, clarity, and transformative potential of the experience.

5. The Silver Lining: Unearthing Growth from Challenge

The realm of psychedelics often mirrors the larger tapestry of life – filled with peaks of euphoria and valleys of discomfort. Yet, just as in life, the moments shrouded in darkness often hold transformative potential. Delving into challenging psychedelic experiences can provide unparalleled opportunities for introspection and growth. Here's how:

Therapeutic Intervention:

• Guided Exploration: Engaging with a therapist familiar with psychedelic experiences can offer a structured space to dissect, understand, and integrate the lessons from a challenging trip. ‍
• Tools for Healing: Therapists can equip individuals with coping strategies, mental tools, and emotional techniques to address the contents of a bad trip and apply these learnings in day-to-day life.

Integration Circles:

• Communal Understanding:   These circles , often guided by experienced facilitators, provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences. The collective wisdom of the group can offer fresh perspectives and insights. ‍
• Validation and Support : Knowing you're not alone, hearing similar stories, and receiving empathy can be immensely healing. Such communal settings underscore the universality of human struggles and the shared journey of seeking understanding.

Spotlights on the Soul:

• Revealing Hidden Wounds: A challenging trip might resurface past traumas, unresolved emotions, or deep-seated fears. Recognizing these can be the first step towards healing. ‍
• Opportunities for Change: By highlighting areas of distress or discontent in one's life, bad trips can act as catalysts, pushing individuals towards making necessary changes, be it in relationships, careers, or personal habits.

Building Resilience:

• Embracing the Full Spectrum: By navigating through the tumultuous waters of a bad trip and emerging on the other side, individuals often find a newfound resilience and strength. The experience teaches that even in profound discomfort, one can discover grounding, understanding, and peace. ‍
• Enhanced Empathy: Going through profound internal challenges can strengthen empathy and understanding towards others, fostering deeper connections and enriching interpersonal relationships.

While the immediate aftermath of a challenging psychedelic experience might feel overwhelming, with the proper guidance and introspection, you can alchemize these experiences into stepping stones for personal growth. It's a reminder that even in the darkest nights, there's the promise of dawn and the potential for renewal and transformation.

Conclusion  

The terrain of psychedelic experiences is vast and varied, much like the myriad landscapes of the human psyche. While understandably daunting, bad trips are not anomalies but inherent parts of this explorative journey. The valleys complement the peaks, presenting a fuller picture of the mind's capabilities and depths. Having the proper foundation of knowledge acts as a compass, guiding individuals through these intricate mazes of consciousness. Preparation isn't just a safeguard against adversity but equips individuals with the tools to navigate, understand, and derive meaning from these challenges. The approach one adopts, characterized by respect for the substance and an openness to all possible experiences, determines the outcomes one can glean from these journeys. More often than not, the challenging trips, when dissected and understood, reveal invaluable insights. They might help you uncover suppressed emotions and unresolved traumas or simply test one's resilience. But in every challenge lies an opportunity to grow, understand oneself better, and reshape one's narrative. So, while the notion of a bad trip might seem like an impediment, in the grand tapestry of psychedelic exploration, it's a thread that adds depth, texture, and richness. With the right mindset, what initially appears as a hurdle can be the very catalyst that propels one towards profound personal transformation and enlightenment.

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Power Tripped? Common Causes and What to do

by Peter Cardamone | Oct 2, 2020 | Domestic Electrical , Emergency Electrical | 0 comments

Having something trip the power in your home can be an extremely frustrating occurrence – especially if you’re in the middle of a task, and particularly if you don’t know what has caused it. Often, the problem may be simpler than you think. There are a few reasons why your power might have tripped. Even better, there are simple steps to follow to fix the problem quickly and easily, allowing you to get on with your day.

Causes of a Power Trip

Essentially, a power trip occurs when the electrical system in your home is compromised in some way. The trip is a safety mechanism, meaning your circuit breakers will ‘trip the switch’ and automatically shut down power to one or several systems, making sure the problem cannot become anything more serious. This can happen for a number of reasons.

Overloaded Circuit

The most simple cause of a power trip is an overloaded circuit. If you have too many devices or appliances running simultaneously, the circuit can end up drawing more electrical load than it is equipped to handle. It heats up, the circuit breaker senses this, and the power trips before the circuit can heat to a dangerous level.

Short Circuit

A short circuit can be caused by a wiring problem in a device or an appliance when it is connected to your main system. It can also happen if two opposing wires accidentally touch, causing an unexpected surge of electricity that will cause the circuit breaker to trip the system.

Earth Leakage Fault

An earth leakage fault is a type of short circuit, and it will happen when the current flowing through the electrical system finds an alternative path other than the active or neutral conductors. These are slightly more dangerous, particularly if they occur in places such as the bathroom or kitchen where moisture could carry the electricity and cause shocks. Once again, the increase in electricity will cause the circuit to heat up, and the circuit breaker will therefore initiate a power trip to prevent further damage.

What to Do About a Power Trip

In the case of a short circuit or a ground fault, it is advisable to promptly seek professional advice in order to resolve the problem safely. If you live in the south-east, you may want to call your electrician in Brighton and get a specialist to take a look at the problem. However, in the case of an overloaded circuit, you can often fix the problem yourself in a few simple steps.

Before any fault occurs, it’s useful to ensure you know where your electrical board is located, and you have a handheld torch to help you navigate in case of a blackout.

Turn Appliances Off

Make sure to turn any appliances off that are connected to the affected system.

Master Switch

At the power board, your first move should be to turn off the master switch. This will ensure you cannot get hurt whilst fixing the problem.

Safety Switch

Make sure you have an RCD safety switch installed , and use it to check the safety of your appliances.

Once you have flipped the relevant switch back to the ‘on’ position, test that the circuit is working again. If it is not, or if it immediately trips again, it may be that the problem is more severe than an overloaded circuit, and it’s time to call in the professionals.

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One Way to Deal With Someone on A Power Trip

Hint: many who throw their weight around don’t feel all that powerful..

Posted September 17, 2019 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Sure, there are people out there who like to use power to control other people—that’s pretty much the definition of a power trip. But is your boss, coworker, ex-friend, or estranged relative really one of them?

Not necessarily.

Not everybody who seems to be on a power trip actually is. Even the most controlling, domineering person in your life may simply be… protecting herself.

Self-protection isn’t the only alternative explanation for an apparent power trip. But it’s one that’s often overlooked.

If you can spot self-protection in action, you’re more likely to respond effectively and even potentially help the person heal.

The Power of Self-Protection

Most of us, if we’ve been hurt badly enough in the past, will prioritize doing whatever it takes to stay emotionally and physically safe.

Some of the behaviors we use as a shield can easily be mistaken for something more aggressive. Here are just a few examples:

• Dictating the details of how things play out to make sure we don’t get hurt again
• Requiring lots of information upfront before we agree to do things
• Changing our minds after agreeing to something that makes us nervous
• Reducing or eliminating contact with people who feel dangerous

All of these behaviors can come across as power-tripping. But self-protection is not about enjoying power; it’s about trying to ensure safety.

Sometimes, self-protection requires us to remove ourselves from certain relationships. There are various ways of doing this, ranging from “ ghosting ” (disappearing without explanation) to having a respectful conversation in which we clearly state our needs and boundaries in a way that others can choose to act on, or not, with the understanding that we hope they’ll be able to do so.

Mostly, when we’re in self-defense mode, we’re not especially polite. We might come across as unreasonable, stubborn, or even aggressive.

Think about it: If you’re at a backyard barbecue, and your shorts catch fire, you’re going to make a beeline for the swimming pool without concern for whose Coke you knock over. While you’re dashing to the pool, your only thought is for your own safety.

Even if we don’t feel especially powerful, our self-protection can make us look like power-hungry control freaks.

Refusing to return someone’s phone call, from their point of view, is just rude. Even if the truth is we’re scared of what might happen if we talk to them.

Leaving relationships, or acting inconsistently within them because of our own ambivalence, can come across as a power trip because we’re controlling the contact schedule. Sometimes we’re available; other times, we’re not. We decide from moment to moment what we can tolerate.

To the person on the receiving end, we’re just messing with them.

How to Respond

If you’re on the other side, looking at someone who appears to be on a power trip, there are some questions you might consider. To your knowledge…

Has that person experienced physical harm, emotional pain, or deep disappointment in relationships?

How secure does he seem, in general? How’s his overall self-image ?

Is it possible that the “power trip” is really just a need for safety?

If the relationship is important to you, don’t skip over self-protection as a possible explanation for behavior that appears power-driven.

If it might be the case that the person is protecting himself, how can you help him feel safer, especially in the relationship you share?

Here are a few ways to provide safety for people who’ve been hurt and/or traumatized in relationships:

• Ask permission. Ask about timing, locations, activities, topics that are OK to discuss… anything that the person seems anxious to control. These are important to her, so let her decide what feels OK.
• Offer choices. Same as above, and let the person know you’re open to hearing her ideas and preferences. Respect her choices, as long as they don’t directly violate your personal boundaries.
• Don’t push. Fear of being dominated often goes hand in hand with concerns about safety. Never try to coerce someone who’s been traumatized into doing what you want them to do.
• Be patient. Intrusive self-protective behaviors stem from past harm, not malice. People need time, understanding, and acceptance in order to heal.

These behaviors represent the opposite of what most of us feel like doing when someone is throwing their weight around. It’s human nature to want to push back against anything that feels like an inappropriate power-grab.

So if the relationship is not that important to you, you may choose simply not to deal with someone who seems to be on a power trip.

But now that you know it could be something deeper, you can make an informed choice about your own response.

Tina Gilbertson, LPC, is the author of Reconnecting with Your Estranged Adult Child and Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them . She hosts the Reconnection Club Podcast for parents of estranged adult children and offers consultation by distance.

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10 Tips to Help You Safely Navigate a Bad Trip

• Nicholas Levich

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to navigate a “bad” psychedelic experience. Given the intensity of these experiences, it’s nearly impossible to discuss psychedelics without someone bringing up the notoriously feared “bad trip.” 

This term “bad trip” refers to a challenging or difficult experience while being under the influence of a hallucinatory substance such as psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, ayahuasca, or even cannabis.

Don’t get us wrong, difficult experiences induced by psychedelic substances are just as important as ecstatic, awe-inspiring ones, and we’ve written a past article on the importance of bad trips . 

In fact, part of the deep, soulful medicine which resides in these mystical compounds lies in their ability to invoke intense, overwhelming, or shadowed emotions and thoughts. It’s how you handle the adversity that makes the difference.   

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

But while it is important to understand the value of having a difficult trip, there are steps to be taken to ensure you have the capacity to handle, process, and alchemize the potential struggles, confusion, or hardships that may arise.

Key Takeaways

• Proper preparation, including understanding the substance, dosage, mental readiness, and creating a suitable environment significantly reduces the likelihood of a bad trip.
• Utilize strategies like controlled breathing, changing stimuli (audio, visual cues), or altering the environment to help manage and potentially alleviate the intensity of a difficult experience.
• Never self-medicate or mix substances during a psychedelic experience, and always prioritize safety by engaging with a knowledgeable trip sitter or guide as needed.
• Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic-assisted therapy near you in the United States.

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Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Result in Growth

While we generally try to avoid these experiences altogether, the simple fact remains that bad trips are an inextricable part of the psychedelic experience . 

We maintain the belief that bad trips, though difficult to endure, are actually the most crucial part of the psychedelic experience as they result in some of the most impactful mental, physical, and spiritual growth we all desire.

Although these experiences are part of the psychedelic journey, there are steps you can take to make a challenging psychedelic experience easier to endure.

In fact, by implementing the 10 tools we’ll discuss below, you can significantly lower your chances of experiencing a bad trip, and arm yourself with the tools to cope with one should it occur.

Whether you’re currently experiencing a bad trip, trying to help a friend through one, or want to reduce the likelihood of having one in the future, these 10 tips will help you safely navigate a challenging psychedelic experience.

10 Ways to Navigate a Bad Trip

1. prepare in advance.

The best way to prevent or mitigate a bad trip is to have the proper preparation. 

In fact, we’ve written entire articles that specifically address how to prepare for an intentional psychedelic experience . This step is the most important and happens to be one of the main reasons our clients work with us. 

This includes learning about the specific substance , choosing the correct dosage , preparing mentally and physically, as well as preparing your environment for the trip itself. 

Writing down your intentions before your trip can help anchor your thoughts. Proper rest, hydration, and good nutrition prior to the trip will also help your endurance. 

Pre-made food, snacks, and readily available water can help nourish yourself during a bad trip. Setting up a comfortable area with little to no external interruption may also create an inviting and safe environment for your experience. 

There is no substitute for adequate preparation. Click the link to speak with a psychedelic trip sitters about the psychedelic preparation process.

2. Do Not Judge Yourself

We understand that even the most prepared person can have a bad trip and the importance of not judging or speaking negatively to yourself for having one. Be gentle on yourself. 

These negative thoughts can spiral out of control, making your experience that much more stressful.

One tactic that we’ve found useful is to write (in advance) a letter to yourself highlighting the things you love most about yourself and the lessons you hope to learn from your psychedelic experience and read it during your bad trip. 

When writing intentions, it may also be helpful to write grounding and anchoring messages to yourself for times when you feel you are spiraling or afraid. These messages may center ideas of safety, capability, and loving positivity.

Bad trips do not mean you are a bad person or stupid. You have to remember that you have the strength and resolve to survive the experience.

3. Remember It Is Temporary & That You Are Safe 

Similarly, bad trips can feel like they will last forever or make you feel like you are permanently damaged. Remember that many people encounter bad trips, and all of them are temporary. 

This means that the negative or uncomfortable sensations you are feeling will pass with time. Sometimes just the mere reminder that your experience is temporary gives you the endurance to safely get through your discomfort. 

Repeating the mantras “This too shall pass” or “This is temporary” can also help remind and calm you.

4. Take Care of Your Needs

In the height of the excitement, we sometimes forget that our consciousness lives within a human shell, which has needs that must be fulfilled to survive. 

You may be experiencing symptoms or discomfort, thinking it’s a bad trip, when in actuality, your body is signaling something as simple as eating, drinking water, using the bathroom, or that you are too hot or cold. 

Start by taking care of those basic physical needs , then move up to exploring your psychological needs, and ultimately your self-actualizing needs . 

Addressing some, or all of these needs will likely help you work through your bad trip and gain significant insight from it.

5. Breathwork

Breathing techniques have been scientifically proven to lower anxiety, depression, and stress. 

One 2013 study by Azadeh Nemati found that “only 33% of the participants of the experimental group experienced high test anxiety, while this percentage was nearly twice in the control group (66.7%)” for those assessed on their levels of pre-testing related anxiety. 

This means that prior to testing, self-reported anxiety was cut nearly in half in participants who did breathwork ahead of testing time . 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, start by taking deep breaths in through your nose, hold the air deep in your stomach for a couple of seconds, exhaling fully and deeply, and repeating. 

Do this for at least a minute, and repeat whenever you are feeling negative symptoms arise. You may also try alternate nostril breathing, which has been shown to lower stress and anxiety, improve cardiovascular function, and lower your heart rate (Cronkleton, 2022 ).

6. Change Audio and Visual Cues

Music and visual stimulation can help stabilize your mind during a bad trip. Giving your mind something to do often helps it from wandering uncontrollably, and we’ve put together a list of some great psychedelic trip music . 

Put on some of your favorite songs (playlists are recommended so you aren’t constantly required to make choices), or a funny or visually appealing movie or show to temporarily give your mind something to focus on. 

Choose something you’ve already seen before as the familiarity can help ground you. If it is too difficult to look at a screen, options like a book of art or poetry are good alternatives.

7. Change Your Environment

Sometimes navigating a bad trip can be as simple as changing the environment. As mentioned earlier, creating an intentional, comfortable, and safe space for your experience is important . 

Pay attention to things like tidiness, lighting, comfort, and room temperature. 

If you are still feeling claustrophobic or stuffy, explore a different room or walk throughout your house. It’s also important to minimize safety hazards in the space. 

Step outside to your backyard or another private area to get some fresh air, but avoid being out in public as you are less in control of your environment. Nature is often a refreshing venue to re-ground and re-establish a sense of inner peace.

Sometimes your body needs to be in motion and changing your environment can give you a great excuse to move around. Even adjusting your posture or hand placement can make a huge difference in these altered states.

8. Surrender to the Experience

Often a very interesting phenomenon happens during a psychedelic experience where the more you try to control it, the more intense and uncontrollable the experience becomes . 

The previous tips are all about mitigating and preventing a bad trip, but if you’ve tried all of the above and are safe, yet feel like the bad trip is still ongoing, the best thing to do is to lean into the experience and surrender to it. 

Surrendering does not mean giving up or harming yourself. In spiritual terms, surrendering means setting aside your own will and trusting your thoughts, ideas, and actions to the will of a higher power, whether it be god, ancestors, or the psychedelics themselves. 

Surrendering to the experience is saying, “I know I am safe; I know this is temporary; I surrender myself to the experience and wherever it takes me, knowing I will come out the other end just fine.”

9. Do Not Self Medicate

No matter how negative the experience can get, never mix drugs or drink alcohol while taking a psychedelic . There can be extremely negative consequences and harmful effects on your body. 

Even prescribed antidepressants and benzodiazepines, like Xanax, can have an adverse effect while under the influence of psychedelics.

However, non-medicated supplements, such as lavender, valerian root, b-complex vitamins, and vitamin c have anecdotally been stated to reduce anxiety during a bad trip. 

If you are predisposed to specific mental conditions, please seek a medical professional before doing psychedelics.

10. Connect With Someone

You may think that your best friend or partner is the ideal person for sitting for you because they know you intimately, but there are some definitive downsides to this route which are worth noting . 

Your friend or family member—while likely caring and supportive—may not have the proper experience, emotional capacity, or skills to help you navigate the experience in an unbiased way, especially in the event that you begin having a bad trip.

Not everyone may know how to de-escalate or respond in a crisis, and there is also the issue of lack of neutrality which can impact the content and quality of your trip. 

Trip sitting is best done by an experienced facilitator who knows that you are undergoing a psychedelic event, is familiar with that particular substance, and is trained in trip sitting and harm reduction techniques. 

Just Had a Bad Trip and Not Sure What to do Next?

The most important thing to do is to acknowledge both yourself and the sanctity of the powerful experience you just had.  

Historically , bad trips are sacred events in indigenous cultures who work with psychedelics ceremonially. Integration is a key part of this, through incorporating the lessons and wisdom into daily life and larger community.

Psychedelic integration refers to making sense of the psychedelic experience so that the lessons learned can be incorporated into a new way of being. 

In other words, unpacking the often bewildering psychedelic experience so that the insights and realizations can be implemented in your everyday life.

Psychedelics have the potential to change your life, but they aren’t inherently life-changing. Making lasting change takes work on your part, and integration is that work. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to do the work alone. Active support from a qualified psychedelic facilitator or guide is the best way to integrate these experiences into everyday life.

In fact, these mind-blowing experiences can make us feel like we are going crazy if we don’t have anyone around to help us process and unpack them. 

If you are looking for unbiased support and accountability throughout your entire psychedelic experience (before, during, and after), we suggest you book a consultation to talk to a facilitator today for the best quality support.

You can also check out our podcast episodes on mitigating the changes of a bad trip, part 1 and part 2 , to dive deeper into this topic and conversation. 

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Hi there! We sincerely hope that you’ve found valuable takeaways that resonate with your current intentions. To explore research-based education, stay updated with psychedelic news, and benefit from practical how-to articles, we encourage you to head over to our resources page .

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This consultation is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to be matched with a trustworthy local facilitator. You’ll be seamlessly connected to our rigorously vetted network of psychedelic guides, ensuring potential matches align with your needs.

Psychedelic Passage offers confidence and peace of mind by alleviating the burden of having to guess who’s right for you. If you want to discover how Psychedelic Passage can help you, we empower you to learn more about our services and check out client testimonials from those who’ve gone before you.

Your healing path is uniquely yours, and our commitment is to serve you at every juncture. Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic-assisted therapy near you in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: what is a bad trip in the context of psychedelics.

A bad trip refers to a challenging or difficult experience while under the influence of psychedelic substances, resulting in distressing mental and emotional states.

Q: How can I prepare to minimize the chances of a bad trip during a psychedelic experience?

Adequate preparation involves learning about the specific substance, choosing the right dosage, preparing mentally and physically, and setting up a suitable, comfortable environment for the journey.

Q: Is it safe to mix psychedelics with other substances or medications?

Mixing psychedelics with other substances, including alcohol or certain medications, can have harmful effects on the body and should be avoided. Always prioritize safety and caution during a psychedelic experience.

Q: What does psychedelic integration mean, and why is it important?

Psychedelic integration involves making sense of the psychedelic experience and incorporating the insights gained into everyday life. 

It is essential for meaningful and lasting transformation, requiring support from a qualified facilitator for effective integration.

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Definition:

A bad trip refers to a highly distressing or negative psychedelic experience typically induced by hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, or DMT. It is characterized by intense feelings of fear, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, and profound discomfort that can be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming.

• Drug potency: Consuming a higher dose of hallucinogenic substances than one’s tolerance level can lead to a bad trip.
• Set and setting: An individual’s mindset, emotions, and the environment they are in greatly influence the outcome of a psychedelic experience. Negative emotions, stressful environments, or being in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable place can increase the likelihood of a bad trip.
• Pre-existing mental health conditions: People with certain mental illnesses or predispositions may be more susceptible to experiencing negative effects during a psychedelic trip.
• Interactions and unknown substances: Mixing hallucinogens with other drugs or consuming substances of unknown origin can significantly elevate the risk of having a bad trip.
• Intense anxiety: Feelings of extreme unease, fear, or dread.
• Hallucinations: Distorted perceptions, seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, or experiencing terrifying visuals.
• Paranoia: An overwhelming sense of being watched, followed, or a belief that harm is imminent.
• Confusion and disorientation: Difficulty processing thoughts, memories, or understanding reality.
• Emotional distress: Overwhelming sadness, despair, or a feeling of being trapped.
• Panic attacks: Sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, or shortness of breath.

Treatment and Prevention:

When experiencing a bad trip, it can be helpful to have a trusted and sober friend present who can provide reassurance and support. Removing oneself from stimulating environments and engaging in calming activities, such as deep breathing or listening to soothing music, may also help alleviate anxiety.

To prevent a bad trip, individuals should take precautions, including:

• Researching: Understanding the substance, its effects, and appropriate dosage before consuming.
• Choosing the right set and setting: Ensuring a positive mindset, stable emotions, and being in a comfortable and safe environment.
• Testing substances: Using testing kits to verify the purity and identity of any illicit substances.
• Start low, go slow: Beginning with a low dose and gradually increasing if desired effects are experienced.

Note: The use of hallucinogenic substances carries inherent risks, and it is important to prioritize personal safety and well-being.

Congress approved a TikTok ban. Why it could still be years before it takes effect.

TikTok’s fate in the U.S. has never been more in doubt after Congress approved a bill that gives its parent company two options: sell it to an approved buyer or see it banned.

President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law on Wednesday. 

But it could take years for the TikTok ban to actually go into effect, since its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, is likely to challenge the statute in court. 

And even if it survives a legal challenge, no one is quite sure what would happen next. 

How soon could a potential ban take effect?

It would probably be several years from now.

According to the statute’s language, ByteDance would have nine months to divest and find an American buyer for TikTok once the bill is signed into law. 

On top of that, the president can push back the deadline by an additional 90 days. 

That means, without a sale, the soonest TikTok could shut down in the U.S. would be more than one year from now.  

But it’s more complicated than that. 

If ByteDance sues to block the implementation of the statute — which it has said it would do — the bill will be taken up by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, according to Isaac Boltansky, director of policy for the financial services firm BTIG.

Boltansky said ByteDance would file a suit no later than this fall. And while the case is under judicial review, the “clock” on any ban is effectively paused, he said. 

Once the D.C. court issues its ruling, whichever side loses is likely to request a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

That would forestall the ban by another year — meaning nothing would go into effect until 2026, Boltansky said.

TikTok will argue that the ban is unconstitutional and that it’s also taken steps to protect American users’ data. The app has already launched an aggressive lobbying campaign, featuring a number of small-business owners and influencers who say it's their lifeblood.

“We have got to make enough noise so that they don’t take away our voice,” TikTok user @dadlifejason, who has 13.8 million followers, says in a TikTok ad shared on social media.

What about finding a buyer?

The bill stipulates that TikTok can continue to operate in the U.S. if ByteDance sells the app to a U.S.-approved firm. 

While large U.S. tech companies would love to get their hands on the platform, Boltansky said that Biden administration regulators — not to mention GOP critics of Big Tech firms — have no interest in expanding the power, reach or influence of such companies.  

Some other outside groups might emerge. At least one led by Steve Mnuchin, who was Treasury secretary in the Trump administration, has already sought to make a bid, telling CNBC in March that he was putting together an investor group . The Wall Street Journal has also reported that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was looking for potential buyer partners. While ByteDance, which owns other companies, is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, TikTok would fetch less than that, experts say — especially if it is sold without its powerful recommendation algorithm.  

But Boltansky believes ByteDance is unlikely to agree to any kind of sale. The Chinese government has said as much, arguing that it regards the algorithm as a national security asset. And without that, TikTok becomes much less appealing to potential buyers.    

So is TikTok in the U.S. going away?

It might — but the ultimate impact may be limited. The fact is, most TikTok users already have a presence on other platforms, so the impact on their livelihoods to the extent that they operate businesses on TikTok could be limited.

According to a survey from the financial services group Wedbush, approximately 60% of TikTok user respondents said they’d simply migrate to Instagram (or Facebook) in the event of a sale, while 19% said they’d go to YouTube. 

Analysts with financial services company Bernstein arrived at similar estimates. In a note to clients, they forecast that Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, would take over as much as 60% of TikTok’s U.S. ad revenue, with YouTube gaining 25%. Snapchat would also benefit, they said. 

Why did lawmakers feel they needed to take this drastic step?

Boltansky said many political pundits remain surprised that the bill got over the finish line. But a wave of anxiety about both Chinese influence and the impact of social media on youth converged to get it passed.

“This has been noteworthy,” Boltansky said. “Everyone is so conditioned to D.C. doing nothing or the bare minimum to keep the lights on.”

As tensions with Beijing have grown, congressional lawmakers, along with top law enforcement officials, have warned that TikTok is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and is a national security threat to the United States.

“It screams out with national security concerns,” FBI Director Christopher Wray testified on Capitol Hill last year

U.S. officials fear that the Chinese government is using TikTok to access data from, and spy on, its American users, spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories.

It felt like a TikTok ban was moving slowly, then quickly. What happened?

The House passed its standalone TikTok bill on a big bipartisan vote in March. But the Senate appeared in no hurry to take up the measure as Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., drafted her own legislation.

That all changed when Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., working with the White House, rolled out his $95 billion foreign aid supplemental plan last week that included billions of dollars for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 

Included in that sweeping aid package: the House’s TikTok bill, with some minor changes. Johnson pushed the package through his chamber, then sent the House on a recess, forcing the Senate to take it or leave it.

Rather than further delay the critical, long-stalled military and humanitarian aid, the Democratic-controlled Senate is moving to quickly pass the package — including the TikTok bill and other Johnson priorities.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Scott Wong is a senior congressional reporter for NBC News.

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Congress Passed a Bill That Could Ban TikTok. Now Comes the Hard Part.

President Biden has signed the bill to force a sale of the video app or ban it. Now the law faces court challenges, a shortage of qualified buyers and Beijing’s hostility.

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By Sapna Maheshwari and David McCabe

Sapna Maheshwari reported from New York, and David McCabe from Washington.

A bill that would force a sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner, ByteDance — or ban it outright — was passed by the Senate on Tuesday and signed into law Wednesday by President Biden.

Now the process is likely to get even more complicated.

Congress passed the measure citing national security concerns because of TikTok’s Chinese ties. Both lawmakers and security experts have said there are risks that the Chinese government could lean on ByteDance for access to sensitive data belonging to its 170 million U.S. users or to spread propaganda.

The law would allow TikTok to continue to operate in the United States if ByteDance sold it within 270 days, or about nine months, a time frame that the president could extend to a year.

The measure is likely to face legal challenges, as well as possible resistance from Beijing, which could block the sale or export of the technology. It’s also unclear who has the resources to buy TikTok, since it will carry a hefty price tag.

The issue could take months or even years to settle, during which the app would probably continue to function for U.S. consumers.

“It’s going to be a royal mess,” said Anupam Chander, a visiting scholar at the Institute for Rebooting Social Media at Harvard and an expert on the global regulation of new technologies.

TikTok pledged to challenge the law. “Rest assured, we aren’t going anywhere,” its chief executive, Shou Chew, said in a video posted to the platform. “We are confident, and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts.”

Here’s what to expect next.

TikTok’s Day in Court

TikTok is likely to start by challenging the measure in the courts.

“I think that’s the one certainty: There will be litigation,” said Jeff Kosseff, an associate professor of cybersecurity law at the Naval Academy.

TikTok’s case will probably lean on the First Amendment, legal experts said. The company is expected to argue that a forced sale could violate its users’ free speech rights because a new owner could change the app’s content policies and reshape what users are able to freely share on the platform.

“Thankfully, we have a Constitution in this country, and people’s First Amendment rights are very important,” Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s vice president of public policy, said in an interview with a creator on the platform last week. “We’ll continue to fight for you and all the other users on TikTok.”

Other groups, like the American Civil Liberties Union, which has been a vocal opponent of the bill, may also join the legal fight. A spokeswoman for the A.C.L.U. said on Tuesday that the group was still weighing its role in potential litigation challenging the law.

The government will probably need to make a strong case that ByteDance’s ownership of TikTok makes it necessary to limit speech because of national security concerns, the legal experts said.

TikTok already has a strong record in similar First Amendment battles. When he was president, Donald J. Trump tried to force a sale or ban of the app in 2020, but federal judges blocked the effort because it would have had the effect of shutting down a “platform for expressive activity.” Montana tried to ban TikTok in the state last year because of the app’s Chinese ownership, but a different federal judge ruled against the state law for similar reasons.

Only one narrower TikTok restriction has survived a court challenge. The governor of Texas announced a ban of the app on state government devices and networks in 2022 because of its Chinese ownership and related data privacy concerns. Professors at public universities challenged the ban in court last year, saying it blocked them from doing research on the app. A federal judge upheld the state ban in December, finding it was a “reasonable restriction” in light of Texas’ concerns and the narrow scope affecting only state employees.

Small Buyer Pool

Analysts estimate that the price for the U.S. portion of TikTok could be tens of billions of dollars.

ByteDance itself is one of the world’s most valuable start-ups , with an estimated worth of $225 billion, according to CB Insights, a firm that tracks venture capital and start-ups.

The steep price tag would limit the list of who could afford TikTok. Tech giants like Meta or Google would probably be blocked from an acquisition because of antitrust concerns.

Private equity firms or other investors could form a group to raise enough money to buy TikTok. Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in March that he wanted to build such a group. And anyone who can pony up the money still has to pass muster with the U.S. government, which needs to sign off on any purchase.

Few others have expressed public interest in buying the app.

The last time the government tried to force ByteDance to sell TikTok in 2020, the company held talks with Microsoft and the software company Oracle. (Oracle and Walmart ultimately appeared to reach an agreement with ByteDance, but the deal never materialized .)

A Complicated Divestment

Even if TikTok approaches a sale, the process of separating TikTok from ByteDance is likely to be messy.

The legislation prohibits any connection between ByteDance and TikTok after a sale. Yet TikTok employees use ByteDance software in their communications, and the company’s employees are global, with executives in Singapore, Dublin, Los Angeles and Mountain View, Calif.

It’s unclear if ByteDance would consider selling TikTok’s entire global footprint or just its U.S. operations, where the company has nearly 7,000 employees.

Breaking off just the U.S. portion of TikTok could prove particularly challenging. The app's recommendation algorithm, which figures out what users like and serves up content, is key to the success of the app. But Chinese engineers work on that algorithm, which ByteDance owns.

During Mr. Trump’s attempt to force a sale in 2020, the Chinese government issued export restrictions that appeared to require its regulators to grant permission before ByteDance algorithms could be sold or licensed to outsiders.

The uncertainty around the export of the algorithm and other ByteDance technology could also deter interested buyers.

China’s Unpredictable Role

The Chinese government could also try to block a TikTok sale.

Chinese officials criticized a similar bill after the House passed it in March, although they have not yet said whether they would block a divestment. About a year ago, China’s commerce ministry said it would “firmly oppose” a sale of the app by ByteDance.

Chinese export regulations appear to cover TikTok’s content recommendation algorithm, giving Beijing a say in whether ByteDance could sell or license the app’s most valuable feature.

It “is not a foregone conclusion by any means” that China will allow a sale, said Lindsay Gorman, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund who specializes in emerging tech and China.

China may retaliate against American companies. On Friday, China’s Cyberspace Administration asked Apple to remove Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store, according to the iPhone manufacturer. The Chinese government cited national security reasons in making the demand.

Sapna Maheshwari reports on TikTok, technology and emerging media companies. She has been a business reporter for more than a decade. Contact her at [email protected] . More about Sapna Maheshwari

David McCabe covers tech policy. He joined The Times from Axios in 2019. More about David McCabe

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