The psychedelic journey can be profoundly enlightening, but it’s important to choose your companions wisely.
Science suggests that certain individuals can turn an otherwise positive experience into a negative one.
In this article, I’ll outline eight types of people you should avoid when considering psychedelics.
Let’s ensure your next trip is as safe and enlightening as possible.
1) The inexperienced
Engaging in this journey with someone who lacks this knowledge can lead to dangerous situations.
Science suggests that those who are inexperienced with psychedelics are more likely to experience adverse effects, including panic attacks and troubling hallucinations.
This is not to stigmatize newcomers, but rather to highlight the importance of experienced guidance when embarking on a psychedelic journey.
So, if you’re considering psychedelics, it’s crucial to ensure you’re not alone with someone who’s as inexperienced as you might be.
Aim for a safe and insightful trip by choosing your company wisely.
2) The negativity magnet
Trust me on this one, you don’t want to be tripping with a person who constantly radiates negativity.
I recall one time when I was with a friend who had a tendency to see the glass as half empty. We had both decided to try out psychedelics.
However, his negative outlook seeped into our trip, turning what should’ve been an enlightening experience into something quite stressful and unnerving.
It’s not just anecdotal evidence either. Science supports this. A negative mindset can greatly influence the nature of a psychedelic journey, often leading to ‘bad trips’.
Your mindset and the energy around you can play a significant role in shaping your experience. So, it’s best to avoid those who might bring along a cloud of negativity.
3) The thrill-seeker
Psychedelics are not simply another adrenaline kick for thrill-seekers. They’re powerful substances that can profoundly alter your perception and consciousness.
While it might seem appealing to some, using psychedelics purely for recreational purposes can lead to reckless behaviour and potentially hazardous situations.
Did you know that many indigenous cultures treat these substances with great respect and use them primarily for spiritual and healing purposes?
When psychedelics are treated as a tool for self-exploration and personal growth rather than just a thrill, the experience tends to be safer and more fulfilling.
Steer clear of anyone who’s looking to use these substances purely for a quick thrill.
4) The pressure pusher
Psychedelics are a deeply personal journey that one should only embark upon when they feel ready and comfortable.
Unfortunately, some people don’t respect this boundary and can push others into trying psychedelics before they’re truly prepared.
This can lead to an uncomfortable, and at times, distressing experience.
Science indicates that feeling coerced or pressured into a psychedelic experience can significantly increase the likelihood of a negative trip.
5) The empathy lacking
On a psychedelic journey, your emotions can be heightened, and you may experience a wide spectrum of feelings.
In these moments, having someone by your side who lacks empathy can be distressing.
Imagine opening up about your deepest fears or sharing a profound revelation, only to be met with indifference or dismissal. It can be deeply hurtful.
An essential part of a positive psychedelic journey is feeling heard, understood, and validated.
Sadly, those who lack empathy might fail to provide the emotional support needed during these experiences.
So, make sure to choose your trip companions wisely.
Being with someone who can empathize and connect with you on an emotional level will make your journey safer and more meaningful.
6) The non-listener
Communication is key in any situation, but it becomes even more crucial when you’re on a psychedelic journey.
I remember a time when I was tripping with a friend who was more interested in speaking than listening.
I found myself struggling to express some of the emotions and revelations I was experiencing, which made the trip more challenging than it needed to be.
When you’re with someone who doesn’t listen, it can feel like you’re alone during a time when connection and understanding are so important.
Being heard and understood during a psychedelic experience can provide comfort and security. That’s why it’s essential to avoid those who don’t know how to listen properly.
7) The constant worrier
While it’s normal to have concerns about a psychedelic experience, being with a person who is continuously anxious or worried can project unnecessary fear and stress onto your trip.
Your mindset and environment, or “set and setting,” play a crucial role in shaping a psychedelic journey.
If you’re surrounded by worry and anxiety, it could steer your experience in a less positive direction.
Avoid tripping with constant worriers. Instead, choose someone who can maintain a calm and positive environment, enhancing the likelihood of a safe and insightful psychedelic journey.
8) The unsupportive
Above all, the most critical thing to remember is that a psychedelic journey is a deeply personal experience that can bring about profound insights and emotions.
Having someone around who isn’t supportive or understanding of this fact can seriously detract from the experience, or worse, make it distressing.
Your companion should be someone who respects the gravity of what you’re undertaking, who can offer support when things get intense, and who knows when to give you space for introspection.
Choose them wisely. Your psychedelic journey is yours alone, but the right companion can make it safer and more enlightening.
Final thought
Choosing the right companion for this voyage can be as crucial as choosing to embark on the journey itself.
The people you choose to accompany you should respect and understand the depth of this personal exploration. They should provide a safe and supportive environment, free from pressure, negativity, and judgment.
Psychedelics are powerful tools, and when used responsibly and with the right company, they can reveal a world within ourselves that we never knew existed.
As you reflect on your next psychedelic journey, consider carefully who you invite along. The right companion can make it safer, more insightful, and ultimately, more enlightening.
