Combinations - Alcohol calming a bad trip?

[iamsparrow]

Could alcohol potentially calm a bad trip? I would assume so since it alcohol obviously has sedative effects.

[Evil GIR]

Alcohol can reduce the intensity of a trip and if you drink enough it can even allow some sleep.
The best way to help someone who is having a bad trip is to distract them, you could try asking them what there favourite color is and why. This and being outside somewhere safe can helps alot as inside tends to make you focus more on your self.

[iamsparrow]

Good to know! Hmmm.... Well this particular individual complains about excessive anxiety during a trip. I'm not so much worried about him going into a bad trip he just needs to keep the anxiety off his chest.

[Panthers007]

If a person is agitated, and this person is used to alcohol's effects and understands them, then there is no reason to deny the person a drink or three. It can, indeed, help the person overcome their anxiety on/of being on a psychedelic. Someone who doesn't drink should not be given alcohol on the premise of it being restorative to better spirits <koff> during a rough-spot.

Do NOT use alcohol if the person is on dextromethorphan (DXM). This drug has entirely different physiological/psychological effects from mainstream psychedelics. Alcohol can make the person quite ill.

[Frond]

As long as the person doesn't suffer from ill effects after drinking alcohol. Hungover + tripping = bad. Very bad. I wouldn't know, but you should hear some of Sir Tokesalot's stories on the matter. If he could be persuaded to remember them.

Naturally, if MAOIs are involved (or RIMAs) then alcohol is best avoided entirely.

[3rd_high]

I think alcohol takes the fear out of the equation, gives courage and strength, but can interfere with things at the tail end especially if the booze starts wearing off before the acid. Odd bodily sensations, depressing thoughts, palpitations, the mighty ego coming into play, etc etc