Trip sitter

[3][better source needed] While the presence of a responsible, knowledgeable trip sitter or guide will reduce the risks of drug use, it is not a guarantee that a bad trip will not occur, nor that the drug user will remain free of physical or mental harm.

However, the most common trip sitter is a friend or family member whom the drug user trusts.

[1] 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, and understand when to call for professional medical assistance.

[1][2][4][5][7] In order to maintain the immediate well-being of the drug user, it is important for the sitter to know what situations they can or cannot handle on their own, and when to call for professional medical assistance.

[1][2] The chatroom TripSit, where volunteers offer guidance to people having bad drug experiences, attempts to fulfill a similar function.