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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, medication interactions, and our safety protocols.

Important Considerations Before Attending

A psilocybin retreat can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Understanding potential risks and contraindications is essential before deciding to participate.

What is a contraindication?

A contraindication is a specific condition or situation where participation may be harmful to your health or well-being.

Medical contraindications 

Certain medical conditions may make psilocybin use unsafe:

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  • Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: There is insufficient data on the safety of psilocybin during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Participation is not permitted.

  • Severe Cardiovascular Conditions: This includes uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Psilocybin and intensive breathwork can place additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Participation is not permitted in these cases.

  • Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders: A history of epilepsy or seizure disorders requires careful individual assessment.

    • Individuals with active, recent, or uncontrolled seizures are not eligible.

    • Those who have been well-controlled and seizure-free for many years under medical supervision may be considered on a case-by-case basis following thorough screening and informed consent.

  • Final eligibility is always determined by the retreat organisers based on overall safety considerations. Medical clearance alone does not guarantee participation

Psychiatric Contraindications: 

Psilocybin may not be suitable for everyone. For your safety, participants with the following conditions are not accepted:​

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  • Personal or first-degree family history of psychotic disorders

  • Unresolved trauma without adequate coping mechanisms

  • Previous prolonged psychosis or suicidal ideation following psychedelic use

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

Medication Interactions

Certain medications may interact with psilocybin and increase health risks:​

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  • Tramadol: Combining with psilocybin may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

  • Antidepressants: SSRIs and MAOIs can affect psilocybin’s efficacy and safety.

  • Stimulants and Other Medications: Some medications, including certain stimulants and painkillers, may increase anxiety or cardiovascular strain.

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Recommendation: Always consult your healthcare provider before attending and inform your facilitators about any medications you take.

Safety Protocols at Elevated Mind Retreats

To ensure a secure and supportive environment, we follow strict safety protocols:​

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  • Pre-Retreat Screening: Thorough health assessments determine suitability for psilocybin use.

  • During the Retreat: Experienced facilitators are present at all times. Emergency procedures are in place for unforeseen situations.

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

Final Notes

Participation in a psilocybin retreat is a significant step. If you have any uncertainties regarding your personal situation, please consult a medical specialist. Our team is here to support you in making an informed and safe decision.

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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