Managing 'bad trips': Nursing considerations and safety of psychedelic 'trip killers'.
Meghann L Costa, Maria Wheeler
Nursing July 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1097/NSG.0000000000000208 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelics Psychotherapy Trip killers Trip sitters Psychedelic harm reduction Psychedelic safety Safe psychedelic use Risk management Adverse reaction mitigation Safer engagement Patient well-being Psychedelic experience management Challenging experience management Adverse reaction management Crisis intervention Trip management Trip support Nursing considerations Clinical care Patient care Healthcare roles Medical management Professional oversight |
| Key findings | The absence of standard protocols in recreational psychedelic use elevates the risk of adverse reactions, and nurses need key considerations for patient care. |
Abstract
Psychedelic use in clinical settings is emerging as a way to treat a variety of psychiatric illnesses. However, psychedelic use primarily occurs in recreational settings, and the absence of standard protocols elevates the risk of users experiencing adverse reactions or "bad trips." This article discusses the use of and risks associated with "trip killers" or "trip sitters," and key considerations for nurses when caring for patients who use any of these drugs.