Sailing Through the Storm: The Role of Integration Therapy in Healing from Psychedelic "Bad Trips"
Written by Francesca Carpenter, Psychologist and Excel Psychology Director
The resurgence of interest in psychedelic substances for therapeutic purposes has brought to light not just their potential benefits but also the challenges they can present. One of the most distressing experiences associated with psychedelics is what is commonly known as a "bad trip." These intense, often overwhelming experiences can leave individuals feeling confused, scared, and even traumatized. Integration therapy has emerged as a crucial process for helping individuals navigate and heal from these difficult encounters.
What are Psychedelics
Psychedelics are a special group of drugs which cause short term changes and other non-ordinary mental states in humans. This class of drugs has been in use for centuries as part of religious rituals and in some cultures it is still used. There are many types of psychedelics, all of which produce different effects, depending on the mechanism of action.
In Australia, a significant and growing number of people are using psychedelics recreationally. According to the Australian Government about 12% of people 14 years and older report having used a hallucinogenic substance in their lifetime. This number seems to be rising, with people aged 20-29 being the most likely to have used psychedelics. (“National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023: Hallucinogens in the NDSHS”)
For most people, psychedelics produce a short term ‘mind altering’ experience. For others, using a psychedelic substance can bring about frightening or difficult experiences or activate underlying issues that have been lying dormant for some time. While Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder is an unlikely consequence of using psychedelic drugs, it can be quite difficult to cope with. HPPD is estimated to occur in about 4% of people with heavy psychedelic use, though most symptoms resolve within a short period of time. (“The “Endless Trip” among the NPS Users: Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology in the Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder. A Systematic Review”)
Many people who use psychedelics in the community have experiences that they find hard to understand or resolve. This is where Integration Therapy can be very useful. Integration Therapy is not just therapy by any other name. It is specifically aimed at helping the person understand and integrate their psychedelic experience and the new understanding that came with it into the broader context of their life and challenges. Integration recognises that the psychedelic experience is unlike any other experience. Psychedelic experiences often have features of feeling a oneness with the universe, a boundlessness that feels very different to the usual experiences of modern life, and a feeling that the experience is indescribable. One quality that is often associated with negative experiences or “bad trips” is “ego dissolution.” (Corlett and Johnson, 2016)
Understanding the "Bad Trip"
A "bad trip" refers to a negative or challenging psychedelic experience, where the user may feel a loss of control, intense fear, paranoia, or disturbing thoughts and visions. These experiences can vary in intensity and duration, but they often leave a lasting impression, especially when not processed or understood in a supportive environment.
It's important to recognize that while "bad trips" are generally viewed as negative, they can also serve as powerful opportunities for personal growth and healing when approached with the right mindset and support. This is where integration therapy plays a pivotal role.
What is Integration Therapy?
Integration therapy is a therapeutic process that helps individuals make sense of their psychedelic experiences, whether they are positive or negative. For those who have had a "bad trip," integration therapy provides a safe and structured space to explore the emotions, thoughts, and memories that arose during the experience.
The goal of integration therapy is not to suppress or dismiss the experience but to help the individual understand it, learn from it, and ultimately find a sense of peace and resolution. This process can involve various therapeutic techniques, including:
Talk Therapy: Discussing the experience with a trained therapist can help unpack the complex emotions and thoughts that surfaced during the trip. This can be done through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or other talk therapy approaches.
Somatic Therapy: Since psychedelic experiences can be deeply embodied, somatic therapies that focus on the body, such as yoga, breathwork, or body-focused psychotherapy, can help individuals process and release any physical tension or trauma stored in the body.
Art Therapy: Creative expression through art, music, or writing can be a powerful way to process a "bad trip." These mediums allow individuals to externalize their internal experiences and explore them from a different perspective.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices can help individuals develop a more compassionate and non-judgmental relationship with their thoughts and emotions, both during and after the psychedelic experience.
The Importance of Integration After a "Bad Trip"
Failing to integrate a difficult psychedelic experience can lead to long-term psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Integration therapy helps to prevent these negative outcomes by:
Creating Meaning: A "bad trip" can feel like a meaningless, chaotic, or terrifying experience. Integration therapy helps individuals find meaning in the experience, turning it into a valuable lesson or insight rather than a source of ongoing fear or confusion.
Healing Trauma: If a "bad trip" brings up unresolved trauma, integration therapy provides a space to work through these issues in a supportive environment. This can lead to profound healing and personal growth.
Building Resilience: By processing and understanding a "bad trip," individuals can build emotional resilience, learning how to navigate future challenges with greater confidence and stability.
Preventing Future "Bad Trips": Understanding the factors that contributed to a "bad trip" can help individuals prepare more effectively for future psychedelic experiences, reducing the likelihood of another challenging encounter.
Conclusion
Psychedelic experiences, whether good or bad, can be profound and life-altering. While a "bad trip" can be a distressing experience, it also holds the potential for deep healing and transformation when approached with care and support. Integration therapy is an essential process for anyone who has had a challenging psychedelic experience, offering a path to understanding, healing, and growth. By embracing this process, individuals can turn their most difficult experiences into opportunities for profound personal development.
Final Thoughts
If you've had a "bad trip" and are struggling to make sense of it, know that you are not alone. Seeking out a trained therapist who specialises in integration therapy can be the first step toward healing. Excel Psychology provides this type of therapy. Remember, even the darkest storms can reveal the brightest insights when we approach them with openness, compassion, and the right support.
Works Cited
Corlett, Philip R., and Matthew W. Johnson. “Ego-Dissolution and Psychedelics: Validation of the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI).” NCBI, 14 June 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4906025/. Accessed 4 September 2024.
“The “Endless Trip” among the NPS Users: Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology in the Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder. A Systematic Review.” NCBI, 20 November 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5701998/. Accessed 4 September 2024.
“National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023: Hallucinogens in the NDSHS.” Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 29 February 2024, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/hallucinogens-ndshs. Accessed 4 September 2024.