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Bad Trip First Aid

In case of medical emergency, call 112. You will NOT get in trouble for seeking help — Dutch emergency services prioritize health over prosecution.

Step 1: Stay Calm

The most important thing is to remain calm yourself. A bad trip is frightening but rarely physically dangerous. The effects of psilocybin truffles typically last 4-6 hours. Remind the person (and yourself) that the experience is temporary and they will return to normal.

Step 2: Change the Setting

Move to a quiet, comfortable, and familiar environment. Reduce stimulation: dim the lights, lower or change the music to something gentle, remove other people if they are adding stress. Sometimes simply moving to a different room can shift the entire experience.

Step 3: Reassure

Speak in a calm, gentle voice. Use short, simple sentences. Remind them: "You have taken truffles. The effects will wear off. You are safe. I am here with you." Do not try to talk them out of their experience or dismiss their feelings.

Step 4: Focus on Breathing

Guide slow, deep breathing. A simple pattern: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4. Breathing exercises can interrupt anxiety spirals and help ground the person in their body.

Step 5: Comfort & Hydration

Offer water (small sips). A blanket for warmth and security. Gentle, familiar music. Some people respond well to being in nature or looking at trees/sky. Fresh fruit or juice can also help if nausea has passed.

Step 6: Let It Flow

Encourage the person to stop fighting the experience. Resistance amplifies anxiety. Phrases like "Let the wave pass through you" or "Just observe what you're feeling without judging it" can help. Sometimes surrendering to the experience transforms it.

When to Call 112

  • • The person is a danger to themselves or others
  • • Seizure or convulsions
  • • Difficulty breathing
  • • Loss of consciousness
  • • Consumed an unknown substance
  • • Extreme agitation that cannot be managed
  • • Persistent chest pain or heart palpitations

Dutch emergency services follow a health-first approach. Be honest about what was taken — it helps them provide appropriate care.