Psychedelic retreat

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A psychedelic retreat is a guided, multi-day program with a set or semi-set itinerary hosted by one or more facilitators where psychoactive substances or processes are administered to guests to improve their mental well-being. The program includes learning and lifestyle workshops on topics such as meditation and healthy eating. These retreats may include an overnight stay, ranging from just one night to one month or more, with meals, a variety of healing modalities, and other activities. A retreat may own its own facility or rent a space to provide suitable accommodation.

Contents

Psychedelic retreats are typically led by experienced facilitators who have gone through their own psychoactive-centered journey for self-improvement and learned how to administer the substances from veteran practitioners. Most commonly, these retreats include the administration of a dose of a psychoactive compound derived from natural sources, such as Ayahuasca, San Pedro, Psilocybin (the active ingredient in ‘magic mushrooms’), [1] [2] or ibogaine, provided by a seasoned practitioner; they may alternatively administer a dose of a synthetic compound, such as LSD or MDMA, or create a psychoactive experience without using a psychoactive substance, as in a Cacao ceremony or a darkness retreat.

Psychedelic retreats can be found in more than a dozen countries, principally in places like the Netherlands [3] and Jamaica, [4] where many psychedelic substances are either legal or decriminalized. They also operate in jurisdictions where they are not legal, either explicitly in violation of these laws, or through exemptions to these laws, in the case of medical or research facilities, or as a ‘church’ that has received an exemption on religious grounds from the United States federal government.

At a retreat, guests often engage in a wide variety of activities in addition to the consumption of psychedelics. These activities are meant to draw on the insights the guest might have collected from their psychedelic experience so that they can be understood, and the learnings can be applied consciously to their daily lives. [4] Many attendees of psychedelic retreats say that Michael Pollan’s 2018 book, How to Change Your Mind, which explores the science of psychedelics in treating mental illness, was the objective proof they required to confirm their decision to attend the retreat. [4]

Types

Emerging research is demonstrating that many psychoactive substances appear to affect brain chemistry in similar ways. [5] The hallucinatory experience caused by moderate to heavy doses of a variety of substances may work somewhat differently depending on the substance, but all have the ability to transform thinking, addictive impulses, general happiness, and potentially even physical changes. However, different substances provide a qualitatively different experience. [5] Psilocybin, the active ingredient in ‘magic mushrooms,’ generally creates a mild hallucinatory experience, with pleasant audio and visual distortions and good feelings. Ibogaine, the active ingredient in the Iboga root, sourced primarily from Western Africa, is known to produce a much more difficult experience for its consumer and can be physically dangerous if not administered appropriately.

Retreats offer a range of experiences, with accommodation settings along with additional services, to a shared or dormitory-styled accommodation in the practitioner’s private home. [5] The number of guests attending a retreat for a particular session of treatment can range anywhere from a one-on-one, entirely customized program of care to group ceremonies attended by upwards of 30 people to resort-style experiences with multiple groups of guests running through programming concurrently.

Some practitioners are trained by Western medical disciplines, carrying degrees in therapy, medicine, nursing, and the like, whereas some learn how to administer the substances or processes based on training received from other practitioners. It is also common for practitioners to have received training from their ancestry, with indigenous practices governing ayahuasca, ibogaine, and psilocybin having been practiced and optimized over centuries.

Retreats may also be found in a variety of different settings. Guests can choose to visit a retreat with access to a local beach; surrounded by nature deep in a tropical jungle; in a private home; or at a rented convention facility at the center of an urban area. The comfort of the guest during the retreat is considered to be very important, as their response to the treatments may be better or worse (in terms of its effects and the nature of their experience) depending on how aligned they are to the ‘set and setting’ of the retreat itself. There are currently multiple marketplaces that offer full retreat packages along with additional services. [6]

Benefits of Receiving Psychedelic Therapy at a Retreat

There are several specific mental health disorders that psychedelic therapy, delivered in any setting, may help treat, including greatly alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, notably in scenarios where these afflictions are resistant to other treatments. Additionally, these experiences can sometimes uncover suppressed trauma, enabling the consumer to address their trauma with less anguish. [7] Similarly, compounds like ibogaine enable a consumer to overcome severe addictions that have otherwise been left unresolved by any other treatment. [8]

Receiving psychedelic therapy in a retreat setting may amplify the experience for several reasons. A retreat setting allows a guest to work directly with an integration therapist throughout the day, aiding them in the process and coaching them through it for days or weeks. Different compounds have different styles and results in the treatment of specific afflictions and different levels of intensity.

Typical experience

A credible retreat center often has medical screening and an application process to help make sure that the consumer is mentally and medically prepared. There will be a strong emphasis on emotional and psychological integration after the experience.

Retreat ceremonies are typically conducted by a Shaman who has been trained by indigenous people regarding the proper preparation and administration of the psychoactive compound. Typically, shamans are supported by therapists, medical practitioners, and other support staff. Every ceremony is an experience unique to the individual, and all those present may experience a completely different set of feelings, emotions, and bodily reactions. [2] At the end of the retreat, people are encouraged to reflect on their experiences. [2]

Locations

Psychedelic tourism is gaining popularity in many countries that allow the substances to be administered, either due to their decriminalized, unregulated, or fully legal status. Countries like Peru, Costa Rica, [4] Mexico, the Netherlands, [9] and Jamaica [4]   all feature at least 50 psychedelic retreats of one kind or another.  

One Retreats is a retreat center located in Negril, Jamaica which is operated by Jamaican company Rose Hill which asserts itself as world's largest legal producer of psilocybin mushrooms. [10]

The Buena Vida Psilocybin Retreats, founded in 2019 by Amanda Schendela near Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, is a collective of five to seven-day psychedelic retreats. [4]

A publicly traded company, Silo Wellness, operates in Jamaica’s Montego Bay resort area. [11] In addition to their psilocybin retreats guided by Rastafarians, where magic mushrooms are legal, they also sell functional mushrooms on-site and operate group ketamine retreats in Oregon. [11]

Risks

Attending a psychedelic retreat is not without risk. The substances used in these retreats can, in rare circumstances, lead to negative and lasting impacts on individuals. In 2020, a 29-year-old British woman went to Peru for an ayahuasca retreat and developed mental health issues upon returning home, which later may have contributed to her committing suicide. [4]

There have also been examples of sexual assault, violence, and petty crimes. [4] In 2015, a Canadian tourist stabbed to death a fellow participant at a psychedelic retreat in the Amazon, after being attacked while under the influence of ayahuasca. In 2023, a shaman and another tourist were killed in a double murder at a different retreat. Robberies have also been reported in psychedelic retreat settings, as have sexual assaults. Psychedelic experiences produce immense physical and emotional vulnerability, and some women have claimed that they were molested by shamans while under the influence of a substance. [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayahuasca</span> South American psychoactive brew

Ayahuasca is a South American psychoactive beverage, traditionally used by Indigenous cultures and folk healers in the Amazon and Orinoco basins for spiritual ceremonies, divination, and healing a variety of psychosomatic complaints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psilocybin</span> Chemical compound found in some species of mushrooms

Psilocybin, also known as 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-PO-DMT), and formerly sold under the brand name Indocybin, is a naturally occurring psychedelic prodrug compound produced by more than 200 species of fungi. Psilocybin is itself biologically inactive but is quickly converted by the body to psilocin, which has mind-altering effects similar, in some aspects, to those of other classical psychedelics. In general, the effects include euphoria, visual and mental hallucinations, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time, and perceived spiritual experiences. It can also cause adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psychedelic drug</span> Hallucinogenic class of psychoactive drug

Psychedelics are a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary mental states and a perceived "expansion of consciousness". Also referred to as classic hallucinogens or serotonergic hallucinogens, the term psychedelic is sometimes used more broadly to include various types of hallucinogens, such as those which are atypical or adjacent to psychedelia like salvia and MDMA, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Entheogen</span> Psychoactive substances that induce spiritual experiences

Entheogens are psychoactive substances, including psychedelic drugs, used in sacred contexts in religion for inducing spiritual development throughout history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psilocybin mushroom</span> Mushrooms containing psychoactive indole alkaloids

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms,shrooms, or broadly as hallucinogenic mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain psilocybin, which turns into psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens, but psilocybin has also been isolated from approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.

Psychedelic therapy refers to the proposed use of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD, psilocin, mescaline (peyote), DMT, 5-MeO-DMT,Ibogaine,MDMA, to treat mental disorders. As of 2021, psychedelic drugs are controlled substances in most countries and psychedelic therapy is not legally available outside clinical trials, with some exceptions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smart shop</span> Retail establishment that specializes in the sales of psychoactive substances

A smart shop is a retail establishment that specializes in the sale of psychoactive substances, usually including psychedelics, as well as related literature and paraphernalia. The name derives from the name "smart drugs", a class of drugs and food supplements intended to affect cognitive enhancements which are often sold in smart shops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dennis McKenna</span> American pharmacognosist and author (born 1950)

Dennis Jon McKenna is an American ethnopharmacologist, research pharmacognosist, lecturer and author. He is the brother of well-known psychedelics proponent Terence McKenna and is a founding board member and the director of ethnopharmacology at the Heffter Research Institute, a non-profit organization concerned with the investigation of the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic medicines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stoned ape theory</span> Theory of cognitive development in early humans

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms</span>

The legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse or drugs that have no recognized medical uses. However, psilocybin mushrooms have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in dozens of cultures throughout history and have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psychoactive drug</span> Chemical substance that alters nervous system function

A psychoactive drug, mind-altering drug, or consciousness-altering drug is a chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. The term psychotropic drug is often used interchangeably, while some sources present narrower definitions. These substances may be used medically; recreationally; to purposefully improve performance or alter one's consciousness; as entheogens for ritual, spiritual, or shamanic purposes; or for research, including psychedelic therapy. Some categories of psychoactive drugs, which have therapeutic value, are prescribed by physicians and other healthcare practitioners. Examples include anesthetics, analgesics, anticonvulsant and antiparkinsonian drugs as well as medications used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and stimulant medications. Some psychoactive substances may be used in the detoxification and rehabilitation programs for persons dependent on or addicted to other psychoactive drugs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psilocybin therapy</span> Experimental use of psilocybin to treat anxiety & depression

Psilocybin therapy is the use of psilocybin in treating a range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, addictions, obsessive compulsive disorder, and psychosis. It is one of several forms of psychedelic therapy under study. Psilocybin was popularized as a psychedelic recreational drug in the 1970s and was classified as a Schedule I drug by the DEA. Research on psilocybin as a medical treatment was restricted until the 1990s because of the sociocultural fear of dependence on this drug. As of 2022, psilocybin is the most commonly researched psychedelic due to its safety and low potential for abuse and dependence. Clinical trials are being conducted at universities and there is evidence confirming the use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, PTSD and end of life anxiety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psilocybin decriminalization in the United States</span> Movement to decriminalize psilocybin in the United States

The movement to decriminalize psilocybin in the United States began in 2019 with Denver, Colorado, becoming the first city to decriminalize psilocybin in May of that year. The cities of Oakland and Santa Cruz, California, decriminalized psilocybin in June 2019 and January 2020, respectively. Washington, D.C., followed soon in November 2020, as did Somerville, Massachusetts, in January 2021, and then the neighboring Cambridge and Northampton in February 2021 and March 2021, respectively. Seattle, Washington, became the largest U.S. city on the growing list in October 2021. Detroit, Michigan, followed in November 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MindMed Inc.</span> Psychedelic medicine biotech company

Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc., doing business as MindMed, is a New York-based biotechnology company that is currently developing clinical and therapeutic applications for psychedelic and, more broadly, psychoplastogenic drugs.

Entheogenic drugs have been used by various groups for thousands of years. There are numerous historical reports as well as modern, contemporary reports of indigenous groups using entheogens, chemical substances used in a religious, shamanic, or spiritual context.

Psychoplastogens are a group of small molecule drugs that produce rapid and sustained effects on neuronal structure and function, intended to manifest therapeutic benefit after a single administration. Several existing psychoplastogens have been identified and their therapeutic effects demonstrated; several are presently at various stages of development as medications including ketamine, MDMA, scopolamine, and the serotonergic psychedelics, including LSD, psilocin, DMT, and 5-MeO-DMT. Compounds of this sort are being explored as therapeutics for a variety of brain disorders including depression, addiction, and PTSD. The ability to rapidly promote neuronal changes via mechanisms of neuroplasticity was recently discovered as the common therapeutic activity and mechanism of action.

Psychedelic treatments for trauma-related disorders are the use of psychedelic substances, either alone or used in conjunction with psychotherapy, to treat trauma-related disorders. Trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have a lifetime prevalence of around 8% in the US population. However, even though trauma-related disorders can hinder the everyday life of individuals with them, less than 50% of patients who meet criteria for PTSD diagnosis receive proper treatment. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders. A meta-analysis of treatment outcomes has shown that 67% of patients who completed treatment for PTSD no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. For those seeking evidence-based psychotherapy treatment, it is estimated that 22-24% will drop out of their treatment. In addition to psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy (medication) is an option for treating PTSD; however, research has found that pharmacotherapy is only effective for about 59% of patients. Although both forms of treatment are effective for many patients, high dropout rates of psychotherapy and treatment-resistant forms of PTSD have led to increased research in other possible forms of treatment. One such form is the use of psychedelics.

Heroic Hearts Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, functioning as a support group for US military veterans. The project engages psychedelic therapy to help people suffering a range of psychological maladies, such as PTSD, MST, severe depression, anxiety, etс. The organization has also been instrumental in the ongoing movement to change state and federal drug policies and overcome the stigma around them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin Carhart-Harris</span> British psychopharmacologist

Robin Lester Carhart-Harris is a British psychopharmacologist who is Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco. Previously, he founded and was Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London.

References

  1. ↑ Fleming, Amy (2019-11-16). "A psychedelic retreat proves a healing trip". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  2. 1 2 3 Leonhardt, Megan (2020-01-24). "Here's how much 'magic mushroom retreats' like Goop Lab's actually cost". CNBC. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  3. ↑ Kamps, Haje Jan (2023-03-12). "Synthesis Institute collapse is a major setback for US psychedelic therapy". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Kamin, Debra (2021-11-25). "The Rise of Psychedelic Retreats". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  5. 1 2 3 Gattuso, James J.; Perkins, Daniel; Ruffell, Simon; Lawrence, Andrew J.; Hoyer, Daniel; Jacobson, Laura H.; Timmermann, Christopher; Castle, David; Rossell, Susan L.; Downey, Luke A.; Pagni, Broc A.; Galvão-Coelho, Nicole L.; Nutt, David; Sarris, Jerome (2023-03-22). "Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review". The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 26 (3): 155–188. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyac074. ISSN   1469-5111. PMC   10032309 . PMID   36272145.
  6. ↑ "Psychedelic Retreats - Find Your Wellness Experience". Frshminds. 2022-03-01. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  7. ↑ Davis, Alan K.; Averill, Lynnette A.; Sepeda, Nathan D.; Barsuglia, Joseph P.; Amoroso, Timothy (2020-07-08). "Psychedelic Treatment for Trauma-Related Psychological and Cognitive Impairment Among US Special Operations Forces Veterans". Chronic Stress. 4: 2470547020939564. doi:10.1177/2470547020939564. ISSN   2470-5470. PMC   7359647 . PMID   32704581.
  8. ↑ Corkery, John Martin (2018). "Ibogaine as a treatment for substance misuse: Potential benefits and practical dangers". Psychedelic Neuroscience. Progress in Brain Research. Vol. 242. pp. 217–257. doi:10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.08.005. ISBN   9780128142554. ISSN   1875-7855. PMID   30471681.
  9. ↑ Love, Shayla (2020-01-29). "I Went to a High-End Psychedelic Retreat to Address My Anxiety". Vice. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  10. ↑ Alex Irwin-Hunt (14 August 2023). "Jamaica's psychedelic ambitions: healing or trippin'?". fDi Intelligence . Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  11. 1 2 "All-Inclusive Magic Mushroom Retreats Are the New Luxury 'Trips'". Bloomberg.com. 2021-08-19. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
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