Health - A bad LSD trip.What to do now? (emergency)

[all_time_high]

Hi,

SWIM and a cousin decided to do LSD on one fine night. Both of them were doing it for the first time and didn't have a sitter. Cousin had a real bad trip and still isn't able to come out of it. Here is what really happened.

11 p.m. - Both of them kept one blotter on their tongue and waited. It started to kick in within 20 minutes and Swim was having a real good trip for next 4-5 hours. SWIM got completely normal within 6 hours and then he realized that his cousin was in a terrible state. SWIM tried to help him but he said that he is in a different world and will never be able to come out of it. He went all panicky and anxious. SWIM told him not to worry as this just a drug and enjoy the world he is in, he'll automatically come out of it in a few hours. Well, he did understand what SWIM said and started enjoying.

After 4:00 hours - He says that he still can't come out of the trip and he will remain in the trippy world forever. He started getting all panicky and paranoid. He was also hugely tensed because SWIM was out of the trip and he wasn't. He said that he has become a permanent mental patient and will go to an assylum. SWIM told him to calm down and just enjoy what is going on, it will wear off with passage of time.

After 12:00 hours - He was still in a trip with his eyes fixed in a particular direction. He kept repeating that he has gone mad and things like that. SWIM tried talking him out of it, made him feel everything is fine and followed all the directions as written in erowid's 'What to do in a spiritual/psychological crisis' page. But it didn't help much.

After 14:00 hours - SWIM made his cousin ingest 20mg of nitrazepam as suggested by his friends and the internet and cousin wasn't feeling too bad after this. He said he is confident now and he is enjoying the trip but still not out of the trip. By his actions he still seemed scared.

After 16:00 hours - Cousin slept which I think is due to the nitrazepam effect. He woke in 4 hours and said he is feeling fine but still high. His reactions seemed a bit like he is still not normal.

After 18:00 hours - Cousin was confident and was able to do all the activities. SWIM, his cousin and his friends even went to a restaurant 15 km away on a bike(He wasn't driving, SWIM was) and he was behaving normally but he still seemed scared. He ate properly, even made a joke or 2, talked normally with everyone.

After 24 hours - Cousin was confident that he can drive a 4 wheeler so SWIM let him go to his house. He reached his house safely driving all alone and called me up saying he is feeling better. In half an hour he called up again and said he is again feeling a bit paranoid.

After 34 hours - SWIM called the cousin again. He said he is okay but still in a trip.

Now, SWIM keeps calling up the cousin every 6-7 hours and the cousin says that he is feeling better but still high. He says the drug has effected him permanently. Just to make it clear SWIM is behaving like a totally normal person, he lives with his parents and even they can't make out he is behaving differently. He behaves normally with everyone but when he talks to me he lets out is real feelings because he can't let anyone else know that he is on a drug. Its been 3 days since SWIM and he did LSD and he still feels paranoid and anxious. He doesn't eat much either. He is scared of coming to SWIM's home because the room in which LSD was done scares him. Sometimes he says that we should go to a doctor.


SWIM knows a lot about LSD through this forum and erowid and knows that this drug can't do any physical damage. But he is very worried and anxious about his cousin's mental status. Well he ever be able to come out of this paranoia? What should SWIM do to make him completely normal? Should he seek a professional medical assistance? The problem is nobody can know about this and going to a doctor is dangerous as well.

Guys please help ASAP as SWIM is getting really scraed of his cousin's condition. Thanks a lot

Reputation Comments on this post:

Informative, detailed post

[Perception Addict]

Okay. Exactly how long has swiy's cousin been tripping for by now?

Swim knows someone who took an exceptionally large dose of DOM once, and tripped for at least 3 or 4 days straight. He wasn't sure if he'd ever come down, but stayed calm and eventually did. That said, how trusty is swiy's LSD? If it was not LSD but a DOx, it could have lasted considerably longer for swiy's cousin than would be the norm for LSD.

What makes it trickier is that swiy came down so quickly. Still, sometimes blotters can be extremely uneven, if the person that laid the acid wasn't mechanically precise in making sure the exact same amount was on each blotter. An unsteady hand could mean that swiy's cousin took a considerably higher dose than swiy did, regardless of whether it was LSD or not.

That said, swim would also like to mention that during her own experience with DOM, she felt for several days like she would never be normal again. For about 2 weeks she had mild paranoia and felt scarred, and after a month was able to think back upon her experience normally. By now, swim feels fine, and has since experimented with drugs again with no ill effects.

This feeling of being permanently changed has never lasted with her, although she does feel that psychedelics help her to see the world in a new way even once she has stopped tripping. Swim doesn't want to make a generalization about swiy's cousin and say that absolutely nothing is wrong, and only that individual can make the decision to see a doctor or not, but do keep in mind that as doctors don't have much access to clinical information about substances, they may not be able to do anything truly helpful. Swim thinks that as long as swiy's cousin feels that the effect is fading, that person may wish to wait, recuperate, and eventually try to sort out the experience.

Best wishes, and i hope that helped a bit.

[all_time_high]

Its, been exactly 72 hours since SWIM and the cuz ate the blotter. I don't think SWIM's cousin isn't 'tripping' anymore. If trip is to be defined as an experience where you are in a constant hallucination and seeing a totally world, or even if feel that you are in a different place in a same setting, then no he is not definitely not tripping. He says he is getting better and better every morning. But just after saying that he is feeling better he says that things are not exactly same as they were before he took LSD. SWIM is not clearly able to understand what he means.

SWIM's cousin is a rich ass businessman. He own an iron ore mine and has a lot of work pressure. The surprising thing is that he is able to do most of his work perfectly. But he says that he gets terribly depressed even if there is a little work pressure or when he is sitting alone in his room which he thinks is due to LSD. The only thing he has in mind is that the chemical has 'effected' him in a bad way. SWIM has made him realize and believe that the effect will wear off with time and to distract his mind. SWIM has told him to forget that he has done LSD and carry on with his daily routine.Is that a right thing to do?

I think I will relate SWIM's own experience to let you guys know if it was real LSD or not.

SWIM kept a brown coloured, very thin and small paper on his tongue. It dissolved in a matter of 2 minutes and then SWIM rolled a joint. By the time joint was smoked it was 20 minutes and the effects started to kick in. SWIM felt really heavy. He laid down on the bed and played some psy trance. Then he started to feel that the time wasn't passing. As in, it was only a minute but it felt like hours. He then ate like a dog. SWIM's diet is very less. Normally a single burger or slices of pizza is filling enough for him. But he ate some 5 hamburgers at this point. He felt like the food isn't going in his stomach. Within half an hour he started to feel really good and happy. He felt like the whole world is his friend. He doesn't remember the next 1 hour honestly. He was in a trance like state he thinks. As if the time had stopped still. After 1 hour he felt like he is coming out of the trance and he is in a different world. The room seemed the same but the room was not in this universe. And then the hallucinations started. The ceiling was moving in waves and the walls were melting. He felt like this for next 2 hours and then he saw his cousin's face was all red and he was panicking. Cousin's panic started to bring SWIM out of the trip but the walls were still melting. SWIM was now mentally stable, consoling the cousin, trying to calm him but the melting walls and moving ceiling was there for next 7-8 hours. Within 7-8 hours SWIM was completely normal. He easily went downstairs, drove his bike to get a pack of cigarettes. Just that the light was too bright (probably due to dilated pupils). This is the end of whole experience. He could carry on his work (which was taking care of his cousin :P) without any hangover effects whatsoever. So, are these the symptoms of LSD?

@Perception Addict - When SWIYs friend tripped for 3-4 days straight, did he become completely normal after the effect woreoff? Was he the same normal person as he was before doing it?

Regarding the amount, SWIM does remember that SWIM and his cuz held the blotter on thier index finger to put it on the tongue. Whereas, SWIM' blotter easily went on the tongue, cousin's blotter was kinda stuck on his finger. He wasn't able to put it on the tongue properly. He had to try some 3-4 times till it rested on his tongue.

If a doctor won't be able to do anything helpful what else can bedone?


Since it is 72 hours now SWIM's main concern is to make his cousin feel completely normal. What steps should he take to do the same?

[Perception Addict]

Originally Posted by all_time_high

@Perception Addict - When SWIYs friend tripped for 3-4 days straight, did he become completely normal after the effect woreoff? Was he the same normal person as he was before doing it?

Yes, he was all right afterwards, but he was an experienced tripper, and knew what to expect as far as duration and effects. Also, he had tried the substance before, Swim believes.

As far as identifying the substance swiy and company ate, it's really hard to say. The duration sounds like it could be off for LSD, but due to the heavily varying effects between swiy and swiy's cousin, it's very difficult to say.

As far as swiy's cousin's depression, etc. It would not be a bad idea, swim thinks, to let him forget about it for a while until he feels better about the whole situation. Seriously, after two weeks cousin will probably be able to talk about it with swiy and will feel much better about the whole thing. The only problem, swim thinks, would be if the effects did not seem to be lessening as swiy said they are.

Taking psychedelics can definitely be as terrifying as it can be fun. However, the idea that the drug's residual effects are making one depressed or unhappy might be better looked at in a different way. For example, taking the drug surfaced some anxiety or depression that swiy's cousin was not aware of or felt unable to discuss or think about. Swiy said he felt that he couldn't talk to anyone else about the situation, which makes swim think that he could be suffering from guilt over trying the substance, etc. After he has had a chance to let himself forget about the details of the experience, etc. It may be helpful for him to talk about what was making him so anxious, and this could resolve longstanding psychological issues or feelings (probably this shouldn't be attempted while he still feels that the drug is making him unhappy).

Swim thinks swiy should stay calm about this, she thinks it will go away with time. It can be a terrifying experience (she knows, she's gone through it) but time is a great healer.

[all_time_high]

Well, SWIM can't really perceive if he is happy or not. Its definitely not HPPD as he is doing everything fine and he has started believing that the effects will come off in a matter of time. He went for a party yesterday but didn't feel comfortable there (As he says, SWIM wasn't there. SWIM hasn't met him in 48 hours). He is going for a movie just now too.

Not being able to edit your post is a bitch :P . Just wanted to thank Perception addict for the informative post.

[Jacco]

Swim has heard of people tripping for a month on LSD, locked in insane asylums until they finally come out of it. Perhaps he has a latent mental disorder.

Anyway, in the mean time swim suggests to keep the nitrazepam coming for a few weeks, it should relieve the anxiety. Good luck!

[Jatelka]

Originally Posted by Jacco

Swim has heard of people tripping for a month on LSD, locked in insane asylums until they finally come out of it. Perhaps he has a latent mental disorder.

Anyway, in the mean time swim suggests to keep the nitrazepam coming for a few weeks, it should relieve the anxiety. Good luck!

"Tripping for a month" sounds like myth-retelling of a dangerous sort.

Keeping the nitrazepam coming for several weeks will likely result in a nasty benzodiazepine addiction (with potential for life-threatening withdrawal) as well as the after effects of a traumatic trip.

I have to commend the OP on a sensible and well-thought out approach to a psychedelic freak out.

There is a video in the archive from MAPS (in the "Drug Use" section)
which covers dealing with difficult psychedelic experiences.

I've not been able to link to it direct for some reason, but it's easily found

[all_time_high]

Jacco, seems like you've been visiting the US govt. sites to seek your drug information :P .

Thanks for the reply Jatelka.

No, SWIM hasn't been giving nitrazepam regularly to cousin because he knows the addiction potential. He only administered him 20mg during the trip to calm him down. Never again.

What SWIM wants to know exactly is feeling anxious and nervous after a bad trip is normal? Should SWIM stop worrying and let the cousin lead his own life, which he is as mentioned before. He doesn't want to talk about it now which again feels a little abnormal to SWIM. SWIM and his cousin has no problem even if the effects wear off in a week's time or so but cousin is worried that this anxiety/nervousness can be permanent. As mentioned he has a lot of work/family problems which is adding to his anxiousness and he is blaming the reason for this anxiety to LSD. Is that fine as well?

Many people have answered a lot of informative replies, but even after me relating the whole experience in exact manner no one has told me what should I tell SWIM to do NOW to help his cousin.

[all_time_high]

SWIM just had a talk with his cousin. Now he says he is only feeling a little nervous. For the first time he also said he doesn't like talking about it. He doesn't sound like a different person anymore.

[all_time_high]

Just to add, after browsing through the forum properly I do relaize that Jatelka, Psych0naut and Nangong2 have been really helpful with exact information and knowledge about psychedelics and it'd be a huge favour that you guys reply here and help SWIM out of the situation.

Not being able to edit posts poses a huge problem. I personally hate trolling and making double posts. It is not an attempt to increase post count or being unethically disturbing to the forum rules. I will try and become atleast a silver member ASAP. Right now I am really short of moolah :P

[Panthers007]

Best thing to do is to treat your chimp as before. Invite him out for some beers/drinks. These things usually take care of themselves in a week or three. Making a big deal out of it can have a negative effect. If he wants to talk, let him talk. Then pour him another beer.

And keep him away from anymore psychedelics (even pot) for a good, long time. He should be fine in due course. Unless he's a threat to himself or others - avoid medical intervention.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Informative and comforting

[all_time_high]

Originally Posted by Panthers007

Best thing to do is to treat your chimp as before. Invite him out for some beers/drinks. These things usually take care of themselves in a week or three. Making a big deal out of it can have a negative effect. If he wants to talk, let him talk. Then pour him another beer.

And keep him away from anymore psychedelics (even pot) for a good, long time. He should be fine in due course. Unless he's a threat to himself or others - avoid medical intervention.

Yes, SWIM is treating him just like before. SWIM is just constantly reminding him that this was just a drug like hash,marijuana (SWIM knows that it isn't even the same ballpark but said that just to make him feel normal) and it will wear off with time. Cousin doesn't want to talk much about it right now even after 4 days so SWIM thinks he won't talk much about it. SWIM is just trying to make him feel happy and realize that what cousin is feeling is just in his head and not a chemical effect. SWIM is trying to make him realize that nothing permanent has happened. A good thing to do, right?

SWIM personally thinks it won't be a good idea to make him drink alcohol as he read in reliable places(erowid, etc) that alcohol can trigger back the effects(flashbacks, etc).

Cousin says that he is never gonna do pot or any other so called illegal drugs in the future. So that won't be a problem.

Coming from you it was really comforting for me that the things willl take care by itself in a week or so.

No, he is not a threat to himself or any other person. He is just anxious which we all feel at times.

[Panthers007]

I suggested the beer as a simple valium (diazepam) substitute should he become agitated. It can and does work. But no - don't go pouring it down his throat.

Maybe take him fishing? Or to see a play or attend a lecture. Just something to distract him and let him know you care - but aren't that concerned. The more concern you show, the more frightened he may become that there is something seriously wrong. That's the last thing you want to do. From your description, it sounds like a minor freak-out. These tend to clear up on their own. And having a friend (who remains a friend) along for the ride can be the best thing possible at a time like this.

Just be yourself. And treat him like himself as well. This will be a bonding experience for both of you. You'll be very glad you did this. And he'll never forget it. That monkey might give you an iron mine! LOL!

[ima-do-proprio-ser]

all_time_high,sorry for invading you topic,but I have a question which is related to the subject..actually,I have two.

-my koala has been very very very anxious these 2 last weeks.nothing to do with drugs,I assume(read question 2).any good way to sort it out,or at least HELP it?
-Panthers007,why did you recommend the guy's cousin ? " And keep him away from anymore psychedelics (even pot) for a good, long time." Could you be more specific,please?I had a badtrip(topic related) some time ago,and it was terrifying.I continued with pot,and I noticed some strange paranoia while using it.


cheers

[Panthers007]

When you're uncomfortable having the rug moving under your feet, don't move to places that are prone to earthquakes.

Or was that too cryptic?

[Perception Addict]

Originally Posted by Panthers007

When you're uncomfortable having the rug moving under your feet, don't move to places that are prone to earthquakes.

If swiy is still feeling the residual effects (ie paranoia) of an experience with altered consciousness, swiy should not attempt to further alter consciousness (with weed, etc.)

Still a logic gap?

[ima-do-proprio-ser]

not too cryptic,understandable.even tho your metaphor MAY present some logic errors.
but well,I'm not a specialist

[Panthers007]

I'll put it simply:

People having negative, long-lasting effects from psychedelics should not be given more psychedelics. Not at that stage of their life.

If you disagree - you show me where I am wrong. End game.


<EDIT> Damnit PA - we posted at the same second! LOL.

[VitaminK22]

Swim suffers from bad anxiety (without LSD) and from his experience, he knows that the more you think about it, the more anxious you get. The more your cousin "thinks" he's goin mad, the more mad he will actually go. Its a motherfker to get through. Swim has realised that the more his anxiety scares him, the worse it will get. Your cousin isnt still trippin, he just believes that his bad experience has permanently affected him.

[all_time_high]

Originally Posted by VitaminK22

Swim suffers from bad anxiety (without LSD) and from his experience, he knows that the more you think about it, the more anxious you get. The more your cousin "thinks" he's goin mad, the more mad he will actually go. Its a motherfker to get through. Swim has realised that the more his anxiety scares him, the worse it will get. Your cousin isnt still trippin, he just believes that his bad experience has permanently affected him.

Yeah, thats what SWIM is trying to do. Distracting cousin from thinking about what he did or he is anxious. He is telling him to talk to people a lot, friends, mom, dad etc about different matters.

[Panthers007]

Please keep us informed of his recovery. It's coming. Keep up the good work,

It sounds like a lightweight freakout. I've seen people pull out of one's that are exponentialy worse and they can't even speak English (or whatever) anymore. Same method employed. You're doing it right. Maybe a nice ride in the country?

[rocksmokinmachine]

Next time SWIY's tripping friend freaks out feed him a large dose of benzodiazepines and put him to bed, prefereably a long acting one such as diazepam.

[all_time_high]

Originally Posted by rocksmokinmachine

Next time SWIY's tripping friend freaks out feed him a large dose of benzodiazepines and put him to bed, prefereably a long acting one such as diazepam.

Depends on what you call large and whats the situation of a friend. 20-30mg of diazepam should do just fine on a benzo intolerant person. Unfortunately SWIM didn't have them handy that day because SWIM abuses them. He ate a pack of ten 10mg nitrazepam pills just 2 days back . He could get them only in the morning (they started tripping at 11 p.m.). SWIM will make it sure he has them the next time they are tripping.

[all_time_high]

Cousin was feeling too anxious last night. So he went to a psychiatrist friend of his(without informing SWIM). He says that he is a real good one and told him the same things SWIM told him. The psychiatrist said that LSD is even less harmful than tobacco and assured him that nothing is gonna happen to him. He prescribed him .5m alprazolam for 5 days which is making the cousin sleep better.

He does say at times that drugs is not made for people like him and he will never do it ever again. He even advises me not to do it again (Well, SWIMs trip was beautiful, it opened a new world for SWIM and SWIM is gonna do it again and again and again :P )

Another thing. See, cousin is a hardworking businessman. He used to come to SWIM's place daily (before doing LSD) to relieve his stress, have a talk or 2 with SWIM, then go around for dinner, drinks. etc. It had become kinda daily routine. But after LSD was done in SWIM's room he is quite scared of SWIM's place. Cousin spent a period of 48 hours at SWIM's place for the whole traumatic trip and after that he didn't come to his place for 5 days. Not that he is just staying at his home. He is going places with his girlfriend, friends to pubs, movies etc. Just now cousin came to SWIM's place for the first time after the trip and said that the room still scares him a lot. His hands were sweating. He went back in 10 minutes after a discussion

Reputation Comments on this post:

Good to see a level headed approach to a bad trip. Well done. Mb

[Panthers007]

Last Analysis: Swim is doing okay. Swim will return to normal after awhile. Now relax. And keep up the good work.

Do keep us informed. Thank you.