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PSILOCYBIN RETREAT SAFETY

Your safety and well-being are our top priority.

 

At Elevated Mind Retreats, we are committed to providing a transformative and secure psilocybin experience. To ensure this, we have outlined important considerations regarding medical and psychiatric contraindications, and medication interactions.

What you need to know before deciding on attending a psychedelic retreat

A psychedelic retreat can be a powerful catalyst for healing, personal growth, and self-discovery. However, it’s important to recognise that such experiences are not suitable for everyone. 

What is a contraindication?

A contraindication refers to a specific situation or condition where a particular treatment or procedure should not be used because it may be harmful to the individual.

Medical contraindications: When Not to Attend a Psychedelic Retreat 

Certain medical conditions may make psilocybin use unsafe:

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  • Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: There is no data on the safety of psilocybin during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

  • Severe Cardiovascular Issues: Conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke.

  • Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders: Individuals with a history of seizures should avoid psilocybin use.

Psychiatric Contraindications: When Not to Attend a Psychedelic Retreat

Psilocybin may not be suitable for everyone. For your safety and wellbeing, we do not accept participants with the following conditions:

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  • Personal or family history of psychotic disorders (in first-degree relatives such as parents or siblings, or in oneself.

    Unresolved Trauma: If you have experienced significant trauma and have not yet developed adequate coping mechanisms.

  • Previous Adverse Reactions: Prolonged psychosis or suicidal ideation following psychedelic use.​

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We kindly ask that you share relevant medical and psychological history during the intake process so we can ensure that this retreat is the right fit for you.

Medication Interactions With Psilocybin

Certain medications can interact with psilocybin, potentially leading to serious health risks:

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  • Tramadol: An opioid pain medication that affects serotonin levels. Combining tramadol with psilocybin can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.

  • Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can interact with psilocybin, affecting its efficacy and safety.

  • Stimulants and Other Medications: Other medications, including certain stimulants and painkillers, may increase anxiety or cardiovascular strain when combined with psilocybin.

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Recommendation:
Always consult your healthcare provider before attending a psilocybin retreat if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Inform your facilitators so we can ensure a safe and supportive experience.

Safety Protocols at Elevated Mind Retreats

We have established comprehensive safety protocols to ensure a secure and supportive environment:

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  • Pre-Retreat Screening: All participants undergo a thorough health assessment to determine suitability for psilocybin use.

  • During the Retreat: Experienced facilitators are present at all times to guide and support participants. Emergency procedures are in place to address any unforeseen situations.

  • Post-Retreat Integration: Follow-up sessions are offered to help participants process and integrate their experiences into daily life.

Conclusion

If you are considering taking part in a retreat where psilocybin is offered, you should make sure you contact a medical specialist if you are unsure about your personal situation. 

Sources and references

Source

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  1. Johnson MW, Hendricks PS, Barrett FS, Griffiths RR. Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. Pharmacol Ther. 2019 May;197:83-102. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.11.010. Epub 2018 Dec 4. PMID: 30521880.

  2. Jacob S. Aday, Cayla M. Mitzkovitz, Emily K. Bloesch, Christopher C. Davoli, Alan K. Davis, Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs: A systematic review, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Volume 113, 2020, Pages 179-189, ISSN 0149-7634, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.017.

  3. Frecska, Ede. (2007). Therapeutic guidelines: dangers and contra-indications in therapeutic applications of hallucinogens. 10.13140/RG.2.1.2364.8888.

  4. Erwin Krediet, Tijmen Bostoen, Joost Breeksema, Annette van Schagen, Torsten Passie, Eric Vermetten, Reviewing the Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of PTSD, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 23, Issue 6, June 2020, Pages 385–400, https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyaa018

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