Introduction: The psychedelic boom and safety concerns
In the last few years the conversation around psychedelics has changed a lot. What was once on the fringes of society is now being explored for its therapeutic benefits in treating depression, PTSD and anxiety. Research from Johns Hopkins and Imperial College London shows that these substances when used responsibly and under medical supervision can be life changing.
But with this newfound interest comes the need for responsible use and safety. While good outcomes are possible, trips can be intense, challenging and sometimes straight up terrifying. In these cases users may look for ways to interrupt or stop the experience – this is where the concept of “trip killers” comes in.
Online communities, especially on Reddit, have discussed using various substances to stop a bad trip and Xanax has been touted as a “trip killer”. But is using Xanax to stop a bad trip safe? This article will answer that question by looking at the risks, expert advice and alternatives to using prescription drugs like Xanax during trips.
1. What are trip killers?
What are trip killers?
“Trip killers” are substances or methods to stop or reduce the intensity of a trip when it gets too much or overwhelming. During a trip individuals may experience heightened emotions, visions and perceptions some of which can be scary or hard to process. In these cases the natural response is to escape or suppress the difficult experience so people look for quick solutions.
The term “trip killer” is used in online psychedelic communities to describe anything that can reduce the effects of hallucinogenic drugs or calm the anxiety that comes with psychedelics. Commonly discussed “effective trip killers” are benzodiazepines (Xanax and Valium), alcohol and non-prescription remedies like valerian root or over-the-counter sleep aids.
Historical use
Throughout the history of psychedelic exploration individuals have experimented with various substances to reduce or stop an intense trip. In the 1960s and 1970s as psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin became popular in the alternative and counterculture scene, benzodiazepines like Valium (diazepam) were used in clinical settings to counteract “bad trips”. As psychedelics became more mainstream in recreational settings individuals also turned to various substances to neutralize these experiences, some with unpredictable or harmful results.
In the age of online advice and forums, new generations of psychedelic users are looking for quick and easy solutions to challenging trips and Xanax is often presented as the answer. But just because a drug can stop one experience doesn’t mean it’s safe to do so.
2. Why Xanax is popular on Reddit
Anecdotal evidence of Xanax as a trip stopper
Online platforms like Reddit are a hub for discussion on everything and the intersection of Xanax and psychedelics has become a common topic in subreddits. Subreddits like r/Psychedelics and r/Drugs are where individuals share their experiences – good and bad – with various substances. In these forums Xanax has become a go-to solution for people looking to “kill” or suppress a psychedelic experience when a bad trip occurs.
Many users post anecdotal evidence of Xanax calming their anxiety, helping them “come back to reality” or reducing the scary or intense visual and auditory hallucinations. A post might look like: “I was having a really bad acid trip but half a Xanax saved me”. Others will share specific dosages that stopped a trip or reduced its intensity.
Because Reddit is anonymous users feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences without fear of judgment and this has resulted in a treasure trove of first hand experiences on everything from drug dosing to integration post trip. But this open forum approach can also lead to a lot of misinformation. What works for one person might not be safe or effective – and could be dangerous – for someone else.
The magic pill
Another reason Xanax is popular in these discussions is the general public perception of prescription drugs as “magic pills” that can fix everything. Xanax is marketed and prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic disorders and insomnia. Its effectiveness in calming anxious minds has led some to view it as a one size fits all solution for any kind of anxiety including during a “bad trip”.
This is misleading as Xanax carries risks and was never meant to be used with hallucinogenic substances. Despite the anecdotes from Reddit users it’s important to critically examine the risks and how pharmaceuticals interact with psychedelics.
3. A Doctor’s perspective on dangerous misinformation
Medical professionals are sounding the alarm
While Reddit and other forums provide anecdotal knowledge, medical professionals are warning about the casual use of prescription drugs like Xanax during psychedelic experiences. This practice of using “trip killers” like benzodiazepines to mitigate the effects of bad drug trips is raising serious safety concerns due to overdose risks and lack of warnings on social media about side effects. As mentioned earlier Xanax is a benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders but it was never meant to be used to prevent or interrupt the effects of hallucinogens.
Throughout interviews and discussions many doctors and scientists in psychiatry and psychedelics have expressed deep concern about people self medicating with Xanax or other benzodiazepines while using substances like psilocybin mushrooms, LSD or MDMA. For example neuroscientist and drug policy expert Dr. Carl Hart says “It’s risky to use benzodiazepines during an intense psychedelic experience because these drugs have potential for misuse, dependency and cognitive impairment”.
Not only is there risk in combining these drugs but self medicating during a psychedelic journey can result in unforeseen psychological and physical effects. Medical professionals argue that casually mixing substances especially prescription drugs without medical supervision puts users in dangerous territory. Benzodiazepines can interact unpredictably with psychedelics because both affect the central nervous system in complex ways.
Why benzodiazepines are problematic in these situations
Xanax may reduce acute anxiety but it can also blunt cognitive function and emotional processing – the very pathways you need to navigate and integrate a challenging psychedelic experience. Psychedelics by nature cause a temporary expansion of consciousness meaning the mind processes emotions, traumas and existential thoughts on a higher level. Using a drug like Xanax to quickly dampen those effects can stop important psychological processing.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax have side effects even when used as prescribed. These include:
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Drowsiness
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Impaired coordination
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Slowed reflexes
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Short term memory loss
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Confusion and disorientation
In the context of someone already under the influence of psychedelics the combination of these side effects with a compromised sense of reality can lead to disastrous consequences emotionally and physically.
4. Xanax during psychedelic experiences
Mixing benzodiazepines like Xanax with psychedelics is risky. While some people share stories of “curing” a bad trip the risks of this practice aren’t as well discussed. Let’s get into the dangers.
1. Overdose
One of the biggest risks when mixing Xanax with psychedelics is overdose. Xanax depresses the central nervous system and adds a sedative effect. When taken with another substance especially one that alters consciousness and perception a person’s ability to gauge how much Xanax they’ve taken can be impaired. They might think they need to take multiple doses to really stop the trip which increases the risk of overdose.
Medical records have shown that overdosing on benzodiazepines especially when combined with other substances can lead to serious respiratory issues or even death. This is how deadly misuse of these drugs can be.
2. Addiction potential
Xanax is a benzodiazepine which has a high potential for dependency. Even when used as a prescribed medication in normal conditions prolonged or excessive use of Xanax can lead to addiction. It’s not hard to see how using Xanax to stop trips could become a psychologically unhealthy pattern where people feel they need to use the drug to manage their emotions during an intense experience.
Over time this can develop into dependency. If people start to associate Xanax with “safety” during psychedelics they risk getting stuck in a cycle of self medication that could escalate into full blown addiction and require rehab or medical intervention to stop.
3. Cognitive impairment
When you take a substance like Xanax during a psychedelic trip you’re effectively interrupting important cognitive processes. Psychedelic experiences like trips with magic mushrooms or LSD are known for pushing cognitive boundaries and allowing for deep reflection. Many users report gaining valuable insights into their personal lives, emotional states or past traumas during these experiences.
By using Xanax to stop the trip you may stop the processing of those emotions or memories, leading to confusion, unresolved trauma or unnecessary panic. In other words you may stop the trip itself but you will undermine the opportunity to gain insight or psychological healing and end up with fragmented and un-integrated experiences.
4. Physical and emotional side effects
Using Xanax to stop a psychedelic experience can amplify the emotional and psychological confusion already caused by the trip. People report feeling foggy, emotionally flat or physically sick after mixing the two substances. This emotional numbing can prevent the healthy emotional release and self discovery that often happens during the difficult parts of a trip.
5. Why You Should Be Skeptical of Reddit as a Source of Psychedelic Help
Quality of information
While Reddit has provided some great online communities, you should always critically evaluate the information shared especially when it comes to psychedelics and pharmaceuticals. Reddit is an open platform where anyone can share their experiences but the site has no oversight and users are not vetted for expertise.
The popularity of certain substances or methods like Xanax as a trip killer might be more driven by word of mouth anecdotes rather than scientific facts. Online forums will say something worked because of one user’s experience but that doesn’t mean it’s safe or advisable for everyone. What’s missing from these online discussions is qualified medical advice.
The spread of misinformation
Misinformation especially when it comes to psychedelics and prescription medications can be dangerous. Harm reduction, therapeutic uses and drug safety advisories usually come from qualified sources – trained psychologists, psychotherapists and licensed pharmacologists – not anonymous internet users with no accountability or professional integrity.
Anecdotal success stories get mixed in with medically concerning behavior that users may not fully understand. Users looking for reassurance will take dangerous advice without considering the risks. This is a big gap in the advice provided by drug advice services especially when it comes to bad trips and side effects of substances like benzodiazepines.
Whenever you’re exploring psychedelics or considering to interact with them it’s much safer to consult peer reviewed studies, look into proper harm reduction techniques or even ask advice from qualified professionals who are familiar with both psychedelics and pharmacology.
6. Alternatives to stopping a bad psychedelic experience
Natural and safe ways to manage intense trips
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or scared during a psychedelic experience there are many safer alternatives to reduce anxiety or distress. Here are some tried and tested methods, backed by clinical professionals and users, that can help without using pharmaceuticals.
1. Mindfulness and breathwork techniques
Mindfulness practices are powerful tools when it comes to managing the intensity of a trip. Focusing on your breath is a simple but effective way to ground yourself and calm overwhelming sensations. Progressive muscle relaxation, rhythmic breathing and guided meditations are techniques that help you to orient yourself inward and gently guide yourself through difficult emotions or perceptions without introducing pharmaceuticals.
Breathing control activates the parasympathetic nervous system which reduces anxiety, slows down the heart rate and brings calm even during heart pounding fear or tension.
2. The presence of a trip sitter
Many psychotherapists and psychedelic communities recommend using a “trip sitter” – a sober trusted person who can be present and grounded while you’re tripping. Trip sitters provide practical and emotional support by observing the tripper and making sure they’re in a safe and controlled environment.
A trip sitter’s role is to reassure the patient, calm them down if they get agitated and help them navigate through difficult emotions while guiding them towards comfort or safety. The trip sitter can help with practical adjustments like changing the lighting, offering a glass of water or gently redirecting attention to more comforting objects and sensations when the trip gets too intense.
3. Adjusting the set and setting
In the psychological community much is made of the importance of the “set and setting” of a psychedelic experience. The environment can have a big impact on the tone and trajectory of the trip. If an individual is feeling overwhelmed, changing their surroundings can be an immediate way to manage the intensity.
This could mean moving into a quieter more comfortable room, engaging with a familiar comforting object like a favourite blanket, or listening to calming music or nature sounds. Switching to dimmer lighting or focusing on a comforting activity (like healthy movement or connecting with nature) can help shift overwhelming sensations into more manageable feelings of calm and peace.
4. Hydration and physical comfort
During a psychedelic trip make sure you’re hydrated and physically comfortable. Dehydration can amplify discomfort so having a supply of water nearby can help mitigate that. Also physically moving to a more comfortable space or adjusting your body position can help recalibrate your physical and mental state.
5. Professional peer support services
Many psychedelic communities have recognized the need for professional peer support for users who are having difficult experiences as highlighted in studies published in the Emergency Medical Journal. For example the Zendo Project provides compassionate harm-reductive services at music festivals and similar events to help people having challenging trips. Trained volunteers help people work through their experiences instead of shutting them down, often using these challenges as opportunities for growth.
If you’re at home or can’t get in-person support there are online communities and hotlines that can offer guidance and advice. Many of these services will guide you towards calmness without using drugs like Xanax.
7. Letting go during a psychedelic experience
Paradoxically one of the most powerful ways to manage a challenging psychedelic experience is to let go not resist. This is at the heart of the psychedelic therapy philosophy. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is based on the idea that difficult moments – even when overwhelming – are opportunities for big emotional, psychological and sometimes spiritual breakthroughs.
The power of acceptance
Trying to control or suppress emotions during a psychedelic experience can increase anxiety but surrendering to the sensations, feelings and hallucinations can allow you to move through the discomfort into acceptance. “Letting go” doesn’t mean giving in to panic but rather going with the flow of the experience. Challenging moments in a trip are often doors to meaningful insights that you can then integrate into your healing journey and potentially use to treat conditions like post traumatic stress disorder.
This is why using a drug like Xanax to stop a trip before it starts is potentially harmful. By stopping the trip you’re also cutting off the opportunity for deep reflection and breakthrough.
8. Natural ways to support psychedelic trips from an expert perspective
You can completely change how a trip goes by being proactive about how you approach it. Here are a few natural ways to support the safety and positivity of a trip and your emotional and physical well-being:
Hydration and physical wellness
Taking care of your physical body before a psychedelic trip is just as important as mental preparation. Make sure you’re hydrated before and have water available during the experience. Dehydration can make the body uncomfortable and that can amplify mental discomfort or anxiety throughout the process.
CBD or Valerian Root for calmness
Some people have reported success using natural supplements like CBD (cannabidiol) or valerian root to manage low-level anxiety during a psychedelic trip. Both are known for their calming effects and can be a gentler way to rebalance emotions without the risks of pharmaceuticals. But do your research – including understanding any potential interactions with psychedelics – before introducing even natural remedies.
Diet
Having a light and nutritious meal before a trip can help stabilize blood sugar levels which can contribute to feeling more comfortable physically during a trip. Avoid heavy or processed foods as they can make you feel physically uncomfortable or sluggish. Many people feel more grounded when their body feels healthy and balanced.
9. Your body and mind during psychedelic trips
Your body and mind are connected during a psychedelic experience. To minimize the risk of distress it’s important to understand that your thoughts, emotions and body can affect how you feel during the trip. Approach psychedelics with awareness of your emotional and physical baseline.
How psychedelics interact with the body
Psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms or LSD interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly those related to mood, perception and emotional regulation. This complex dance can result in amplified emotions (good and bad) along with altered perception, expanded consciousness, vivid hallucinations and other psychedelic effects.
By trying to “kill” or stop a trip early with a drug like Xanax you may not allow the body-mind to process those expanded emotions fully. You could miss out on the insights and healing that’s available through the psychedelic experience.
Sometimes physical sensations (nausea, discomfort, tension) can contribute to mental unease during the trip. Simple practices like gentle movement, stretching or taking a walk outside in the fresh air can relax body and mind and diffuse tension before it turns into psychological distress.
10. Professional guidance for psychedelic use
As psychedelics become more popular there’s a growing recognition of the importance of professional guidance for psychedelic drug use – both during and after the trip. Professionals like psychedelic therapists, harm reduction organizations and experienced guides can provide critical knowledge on how to prepare for a journey and post-trip integration.
Psychedelic therapy
In structured therapy settings professionals work with patients to prepare the mind and setting for a safe experience, often providing therapy sessions before and after the trip. Post-trip integration is especially important as it helps individuals make sense of the experience and process the emotional, psychological or spiritual insights.
11. Mycology-based health and wellness: How we can help
As a company that promotes the safe and educational use of psychedelics we believe mushrooms should be approached with responsibility. Our mushroom growing kits, educational materials and online resources provide users a health-focused way to understand psilocybin and other fungi.
Education is key to safe use
We know the modern interest in psychedelics is ushering in a new era of wellness exploration but users need to get the right information. Our company prioritizes education and wellness-based preparation. With access to up-to-date scientifically driven resources we ensure individuals are better prepared for safe and meaningful journeys.
Conclusion: Xanax isn’t the solution but there are safer alternatives
Using Xanax to stop a trip might be discussed on Reddit but medical professionals strongly advise against it. The risks – from overdose and cognitive disruption to addiction – far outweigh any short term benefit. Stopping a trip too soon may also deprive individuals of personal growth or emotional breakthrough. Instead alternatives like mindfulness techniques, having a trip sitter or the “let-go” philosophy can provide users with a more sustainable and healthy way to navigate challenging moments during the trip.
Education, preparation and self-awareness are the keys to using psychedelics responsibly. We encourage users to research and get guidance from professionals before they trip and to recognize that quick pharmaceutical escapes like Xanax can do more harm than good.
Quick Hits
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Trip Killers: Substances or techniques used to reduce or stop a psychedelic trip, often used when a user feels overwhelmed or anxious.
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Xanax on Reddit: Reddit forums are now referencing Xanax as a “trip killer” often based on anecdotal evidence without medical consultation.
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Medical risks of Xanax: Xanax and other benzodiazepines are effective for anxiety but when combined with psychedelics they pose risks of overdose, addiction and cognitive disruption.
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Safer ways to stop a trip: Mindfulness, proper set and setting and having a trip sitter are safer and more holistic ways to navigate challenging moments during the trip.
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Professional guidance: The field of psychedelic-assisted therapy offers scientifically driven methods to safely navigate and integrate the psychedelic experience without the risks of substances like Xanax.
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Natural remedies: Staying hydrated, considering natural anxiolytics like CBD and prioritizing physical wellness can reduce discomfort without reaching for pharmaceuticals.
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Letting go: Embracing the challenging moments of the trip rather than trying to stop them may lead to meaningful insights and emotional breakthroughs. But don’t take too much as this can lead to extreme fear and agitation making the experience harder to manage.
Safe use of psychedelics prioritizes health, responsibility and education over the quick fixes of problematic pharmaceuticals like Xanax.
