Managing Bad Trips: Hospital Protocols And Practices

Hospitals have varying approaches to dealing with patients experiencing a bad trip. Some hospitals may administer antipsychotics or benzodiazepines, while others may take no direct action, instead opting to strap down the patient until the effects of the drug wear off. In some cases, hospitals may employ staff members who are trained to counsel and talk patients through their trips. Patients are typically not forced to stay in their rooms unless they pose a danger to themselves or others. While hospitals generally aim to provide care and support, there have been concerns about the treatment of individuals experiencing bad trips, with some suggesting the emergence of specialized ''trip centers'' to better address these situations.

Hospitals may use anti-psychotics, benzos, or sedatives

The approach taken by hospitals to treat patients experiencing a bad trip varies. Some hospitals may administer anti-psychotics, benzodiazepines (commonly known as "benzos"), or sedatives to help calm the patient down. In some cases, patients may be strapped down to prevent self-harm or harm to others, and a large clothespin may be placed on the patient's tongue to prevent them from swallowing it.

In the case shared by a Redditor, their friend experiencing a bad trip at Amsterdam's AMC hospital was visited by "CliniClowns" who aimed to distract and calm him down. While this approach may have been well-intentioned, the individual still experiences nightmares from the incident.

Ideally, hospitals would have staff members trained as counselors who could sit and talk with patients through their trips. Patients would not be forced to stay in the rooms unless they posed a danger to themselves or others, and they would have the freedom to come and go as they pleased, with their departure logged and a staff member opening the door for them.

It is important to note that seeking medical attention for a bad trip can be a complex decision due to the potential for negative interactions with medical professionals or law enforcement. Some individuals have expressed a desire for the emergence of specialized 'trip centers' where those having a bad trip could go or be brought to receive appropriate support.

Patients may be strapped down

In some cases, patients who are experiencing a bad trip may be strapped down by hospital staff. This is done to restrict the patient's movement and prevent them from causing harm to themselves or others. While this may be necessary in certain situations, it is important to recognize that being restrained can be a traumatic experience for the patient.

During a bad trip, individuals may experience intense fear, anxiety, and paranoia. They may also have distorted perceptions of their surroundings, including hallucinations. In such a vulnerable state, being physically restrained can exacerbate feelings of panic and distress. It is crucial for hospital staff to approach these situations with empathy and to use restraint only as a last resort when all other de-escalation techniques have been exhausted.

The decision to restrain a patient should be made by qualified medical professionals, such as doctors or nurses, based on a thorough assessment of the patient's condition and behavior. Restraints should be applied in a way that ensures the patient's safety and comfort, minimizing the risk of injury or further distress. It is also essential to continuously monitor restrained patients to ensure their well-being and to remove the restraints as soon as it is safe to do so.

In addition to physical restraints, hospitals may also employ other methods to manage patients experiencing a bad trip. This can include providing a calm and comfortable environment, using soothing music or lighting, and offering emotional support through counseling or therapeutic conversations. These alternative approaches aim to help patients feel safe and grounded without resorting to physical restraint.

While the use of restraints in hospitals is sometimes necessary, it should be a carefully considered and monitored intervention. Hospitals should prioritize the well-being and dignity of patients above all else, even when they pose a potential risk to themselves or others. By balancing the need for safety with compassion and empathy, hospitals can better serve individuals experiencing a bad trip and ensure their physical and emotional recovery.

CliniClowns can be used to calm patients

CliniClowns are used in hospitals to calm patients who are experiencing a bad trip. A patient who had a bad trip and was taken to the hospital by an ambulance shared that CliniClowns visited them to distract and calm them down.

CliniClowns are professional hospital clowns who are trained to work in a hospital environment and help patients. They are different from traditional clowns as they do not wear makeup or colourful clothes. Instead, they wear regular clothes with a red nose and use humour and play to create moments of connection with patients. CliniClowns can be used to calm patients in the following ways:

Creating a Distraction

CliniClowns can help distract patients from their fears, worries, and negative thoughts. By using humour and play, CliniClowns can shift the patient's focus away from their anxiety and create a more positive and light-hearted atmosphere. This distraction can help patients feel calmer and more relaxed.

Social Interaction and Connection

CliniClowns can provide social interaction and connection for patients, especially those who may be isolated or struggling with loneliness. The clowns can engage in conversations, play, and other interactive activities with the patients, helping them feel less alone and more supported. This social connection can contribute to a sense of comfort and calmness for the patients.

Normalizing the Experience

CliniClowns can help normalize the hospital experience for patients, making it seem less scary and intimidating. By using humour and a playful approach, CliniClowns can make the hospital environment feel more approachable and less threatening. This normalization can help reduce anxiety and improve the patient's overall experience.

Providing Emotional Support

CliniClowns can offer emotional support to patients by providing a sense of joy, laughter, and positivity. They can help patients express their emotions and provide a safe space for them to do so. By connecting with patients on an emotional level, CliniClowns can make patients feel understood and cared for, contributing to their overall calmness and well-being.

Encouraging Relaxation

CliniClowns can promote relaxation techniques and help patients manage their stress levels. For example, they can encourage deep breathing exercises, guide meditations, or lead gentle stretches to help patients feel more relaxed and calm. By incorporating play and humour into these techniques, CliniClowns can make the experience more enjoyable and effective for patients.

Patients may be allowed to leave freely

When it comes to handling patients experiencing a bad trip, hospital approaches can vary. Some hospitals may administer antipsychotics or benzodiazepines, while others may take no direct action. In certain cases, patients may be restrained until the effects of the drug wear off. However, such interventions can be traumatic for the patient.

To address this, it has been suggested that hospitals implement specific protocols for patients undergoing challenging psychedelic experiences. One proposal advocates for the establishment of ''trip centres,' either within hospitals or as separate entities, where individuals enduring difficult psychedelic journeys can receive specialised support. These centres could be staffed by counsellors who are knowledgeable and empathetic towards psychedelic experiences. Patients would have the freedom to leave unless deemed a danger to themselves or others, with their departure logged and a staff member facilitating their exit.

This model proposes a social area where patients can interact, access food, and spend time in nature. The emphasis is on creating a calming and non-threatening environment. The centre would operate on a signature release system, allowing patients to come and go as they please, provided they are not legally required to remain for a specified period.

By adopting this approach, hospitals can provide a more supportive and therapeutic space for individuals undergoing a bad trip. It promotes patient autonomy, reduces potential trauma, and ensures that patients receive the care they need during these challenging experiences.

Patients can complain about treatment

Patients can complain about their treatment in hospitals. If you don't agree with your hospital bills, you can ask your doctor or the billing department to explain the charges. If you're still unhappy, you can investigate how your hospital handles complaints. There are laws that protect you from surprise medical bills, and if you have Medicare, you can file an appeal. If you feel your complaint is not being addressed, you can contact a lawyer.

It is recommended that patients document instances of unfair treatment as they happen, including recording video or audio, noting times and dates, and providing descriptions of the incidents. Patients should avoid being inflammatory when explaining their concerns.

There are various organisations that handle complaints about hospital care, such as each state's Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO) in the US, which deals with complaints about incorrect medication, incorrect surgery or treatment, early discharge, hospital conditions, Home Health Care agencies, and access to specialists. There is also an organisation that evaluates and accredits healthcare bodies across the US, which prefers online submissions: https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics/report-a-patient-safety-concern-or-complaint/.

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