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Trip sitter: Difference between revisions
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'''Trip sitter''' is a term used by recreational or spiritual drug users to describe a person who remains sober to ensure the safety of the drug user while he or she is under the influence of a drug; they are especially common with first-time experiences or when using [[hallucinogens]] such as [[psychedelic]]s, [[dissociative]]s and [[deliriant]]s. This practice can be qualified as a means of [[responsible drug use|harm reduction]] and to avoid what is commonly referred to as a [[bad trip]]. | '''Trip sitter''' is a term used by recreational or spiritual drug users to describe a person who remains sober to ensure the safety of the drug user while he or she is under the influence of a drug; they are especially common with first-time experiences or when using [[hallucinogens]] such as [[psychedelic]]s, [[dissociative]]s and [[deliriant]]s. This practice can be qualified as a means of [[responsible drug use|harm reduction]] and to avoid what is commonly referred to as a [[bad trip]]. | ||
A trip sitter is sometimes called a psychedelic guide or guide, although this term is more often used to describe someone who takes an active role in guiding a drug user's experiences, while a sitter merely stands by to discourage bad trips and handle emergencies but otherwise does not take on an active role. Guides are more common among spiritual users of entheogens. | A trip sitter is sometimes called a psychedelic guide or guide, although this term is more often used to describe someone who takes an active role in guiding a drug user's experiences, while a sitter merely stands by to discourage bad trips and handle emergencies but otherwise does not take on an active role. Guides are more common among spiritual users of entheogens. | ||
Some sources recommend a sitter be present when certain drugs are used regardless of the user's experience or comfort with the substance. A sitter may be necessary for users of [[Deliriants|deliriant]] substances or [[Salvia|Salvia divinorum]] for example because these drugs can sometimes cause both disorientation, delirium and a desire to move about. | Some sources recommend a sitter be present when certain drugs are used regardless of the user's experience or comfort with the substance. A sitter may be necessary for users of [[Deliriants|deliriant]] substances or [[Salvia|Salvia divinorum]] for example because these drugs can sometimes cause both disorientation, delirium and a desire to move about. | ||
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==Who trip sits== | ==Who trip sits== | ||
The most common trip sitter is a friend or family member who the drug user trusts. | The most common trip sitter is a friend or family member who the drug user trusts. Sometimes, a tripper will ask another more experienced user to sit for them. In some cases, a trip sitter may be a medical professional such as the nurses used in psychedelic research or a therapist who performs psychedelic psychotherapy.<ref>{{Citation | title=MAPS - Volume 5 Number 1 Summer 1994 - Notes From a Psychedelic Research Nurse | url=https://maps.org/news-letters/v05n1/05134nrs.html}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | title=Counter-Transference Issues in Psychedelic Psychotherapy - Summer 2000 | url=https://maps.org/news-letters/v10n2/10204fis.html}}</ref> | ||
Although an ideal sitter is one who is both personally experienced with the substance being used as well as one trained to deal with any potential psychological or medical crisis that may arise, arguably the most important qualities may be the willingness to help, the responsibility needed to stay sober enough to be fully present, and the ability to be relaxed, accepting, and not interfere with the experience beyond the wishes of the user. A sitter should be willing to research the substance in question as well as techniques for [[responsible drug use|responsible use]] and understand when to call for professional medical assistance.<ref> | Although an ideal sitter is one who is both personally experienced with the substance being used as well as one trained to deal with any potential psychological or medical crisis that may arise, arguably the most important qualities may be the willingness to help, the responsibility needed to stay sober enough to be fully present, and the ability to be relaxed, accepting, and not interfere with the experience beyond the wishes of the user. A sitter should be willing to research the substance in question as well as techniques for [[responsible drug use|responsible use]] and understand when to call for professional medical assistance.<ref>{{Citation | title=Erowid Psychoactive Vaults : Psychedelic Crisis FAQ | url=https://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/faqs/psychedelic_crisis_faq.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | vauthors=((Leary, T.)), ((Metzner, R.)), ((Ram Dass)), ((Karma-gliṅ-pa)) | date= 2007 | title=The psychedelic experience: a manual based on the Tibetan book of the dead | publisher=Citadel Press | isbn=9780806516523}}</ref> | ||
Especially when using a short-acting substance such as smoked [[DMT]] or [[Salvia|Salvia divinorum]], it may be possible for two people to take turns, with one being the sitter while the other takes the psychedelic. | Especially when using a short-acting substance such as smoked [[DMT]] or [[Salvia|Salvia divinorum]], it may be possible for two people to take turns, with one being the sitter while the other takes the psychedelic. | ||
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[[Category:Psychonautics]] | [[Category:Psychonautics]] | ||
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