Traveling abroad to attend a psychedelic retreat has become increasingly common. From psilocybin retreats in Spain and Jamaica to intensive ayahuasca experiences in Peru, it seems like there’s something for everyone. But what do you need to know before venturing to some far-off psychedelic healing center in the middle of the vast Amazonian rain forests?

What is a Psychedelic Retreat, and How Does it Differ From a Healing Center?

Psychedelic retreats are specialized programs that offer structured experiences with psychedelic substances in a supportive and often secluded setting. These retreats should be focused on facilitating profound personal growth and healing under the guidance of experienced facilitators, such as therapists, traditional healers, or spiritual teachers.

Participants at these retreats engage in sessions where they consume substances such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, MDMA, ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, or ketamine, depending on the focus of the retreat and the legal framework of the country in which it is located. Typically, these experiences are crafted with intention and, when done correctly, can lead to transformative experiences.

The retreats usually take place in natural, serene environments that contribute to the experience’s reflective and transformative nature. They should be safe spaces where individuals can explore their inner psyche, confront emotional and psychological challenges, and ideally emerge with greater insight and well-being.

Healing centers that focus on psychedelic therapy work similarly but may offer a broader range of health services and a more clinical setting compared to the often more rustic or ecocentric retreats. These centers are typically staffed by medical professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses, who provide a therapeutic framework before, during, and after the psychedelic experience.

The aim is to create an environment where the healing potential of psychedelics can be harnessed in a controlled, respectful, and legal manner. Healing centers may also offer additional wellness practices, such as meditation, yoga, and psychedelic integration, to support the individual’s journey toward healing and ensure that the insights gained from psychedelic sessions are effectively woven into their daily lives. Other clinics, such as ketamine infusion and therapy centers, may not offer as many additional services. Instead, they often operate more like a doctor’s office than a wellness center.

Some key differences between a psychedelic retreat and a clinic or healing center include:

These differences can influence an individual’s choice depending on their personal preferences, the nature of their mental health concerns, and their desired outcomes from psychedelic therapy.

Commonly Researched Psychedelics for Mental Health Conditions

Psychedelic retreats ranging from rustic to luxurious to clinical are emerging as potentially transformative experiences. They may benefit individuals seeking deeper self-awareness and significant personal growth.

The reasons for searching for these retreats vary. Some may simply be seeking a time to devote to self-reflection, others may be in a transitional phase in their life (such as a divorce or career change) and be in search of a fresh perspective or a way to reflect on embedded patterns, and others may have failed to find relief from traditional therapies for ongoing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.

That said, it’s important to note that outcomes are not guaranteed, so research, preparation for the experience, and right-sizing expectations are essential.

Psilocybin (aka Magic Mushrooms)

Psilocybin, the psychoactive substance in magic mushrooms, is garnering attention for its potential as a depression treatment. Early research suggests that it can significantly reduce symptoms of depression in some individuals. This has led to increased interest in psilocybin-assisted therapy, which aims to create a controlled, therapeutic environment to maximize the benefits and minimize potential adverse reactions.⁽¹⁾

Psilocybin:⁽¹⁾

Potential short-term side effects include:⁽²⁾

Though there are promising developments, psilocybin is not without risks. Physical side effects such as upset stomach and vomiting can occur. Psychological challenges like emotional duress or anxiety and paranoia are also possible.^(1, 2)

The dual nature of psilocybin’s effects highlights the need for careful consideration and professional guidance in therapeutic settings. As research progresses, psilocybin may offer a novel treatment modality for individuals who do not respond to traditional treatments.^(1, 2)

Ayahuasca (the Spirit Vine)

Similarly, ayahuasca retreats provide immersive experiences that may combine enduring indigenous wisdom with a modern understanding of psychotherapy. Ayahuasca, a brew traditionally used in South American healing rituals, contains powerful psychoactive compounds – most notably DMT, as well as alkaloids tetrahydroharmine (THH) and harmaline, capable of inducing deep introspective states.⁽³⁾

Ayahuasca: ⁽³⁾

Potential short-term side effects include:⁽⁵⁾

Ayahuasca is being explored as a treatment for substance use disorders, including alcoholism and drug addiction. Research also indicates that ayahuasca may enhance emotional regulation and processing. Beyond specific conditions, ayahuasca is being studied for its ability to improve overall psychological well-being, including increased mindfulness, emotional resilience, and life satisfaction.^{(3, 4, 5, 6)}

MDMA (the Love Drug)

MDMA-assisted therapy is also being evaluated for its therapeutic potential outside of its recreational use. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is specifically being investigated as a treatment for various conditions, including PTSD and social anxiety. It is also being explored as a tool for couples therapy.^(7, 8, 9)

MDMA:

Potential short-term side effects include:⁽⁸⁾

MDMA’s potential effectiveness lies in its unique effects. Unlike traditional medications for PTSD, which may have side effects like emotional blunting, MDMA may increase trust and cooperation. This has the potential to help patients engage more openly with therapy and process traumatic experiences. Additionally, MDMA’s ability to promote feelings of connection and intimacy may be beneficial in couples therapy for individuals struggling with past traumas.^(7, 8, 9)

Ibogaine (the African Spirit Shrub)

Ibogaine, derived from the African iboga shrub, is primarily being studied for its potential to aid in treating substance use disorders. It has been reported to dramatically alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce the compulsion for substance use, particularly opioids, offering the potential for hope for long-term recovery.^(10, 11)

Additionally, researchers at Stanford Medicine found that ibogaine, a plant-based psychoactive drug, effectively improved symptoms of PTSD, depression, and functioning in veterans with traumatic brain injuries when used in combination with magnesium. The study, conducted with special ops military veterans, showed significant improvements in both neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive functioning without serious side effects, suggesting potential broader therapeutic applications for ibogaine in treating other neuropsychiatric conditions.^(10, 11)

Ibogaine:^(10, 11)

Potential short-term side effects and cardiac complications include:⁽¹²⁾

Ibogaine can be physically dangerous, especially for individuals with a heart condition. It is critical that you thoroughly vet any facility or organization offering ibogaine sessions.^{(10, 11, 12)}

Ketamine (the only “legal psychedelic”)

Ketamine, a powerful dissociative anesthetic, has seen a surge in popularity as an off-label treatment for conditions like PTSD and treatment-resistant depression, among other disorders. During a ketamine experience, some individuals may have intense, open, or closed-eyed visuals and feel as if time is moving differently.^{(13, 14, 15)}

Ketamine:⁽¹⁵⁾

Potential short-term side effects include:⁽¹⁶⁾

In the U.S. alone, there are hundreds of ketamine clinics spread across the country. While many of these clinics offer excellent care, you should always thoroughly vet any ketamine clinic you’re thinking about visiting. Your ketamine therapy experience can vary significantly depending on the clinic or treatment center you visit. Some focus on providing a relaxing, high-end spa experience, while others may be more akin to a regular medical or family medicine clinic. Ketamine is also potentially addictive and should only be used in a controlled, supervised setting. ^(13, 14)

5-MeO-DMT (“The God Molecule”)

5-MeO-DMT is a powerful psychedelic compound that is found naturally in the venom of the Bufo alvarius toad, as well as in some plant species. However, 5-MeO-DMT is also easily synthesized in a laboratory setting, eliminating the need to source it directly from animals. It is known for its rapid onset and intense psychedelic experiences. 5-MeO-DMT is noted for its more profound, introspective effects that can lead to experiences of unity and transcendence.⁽¹⁷⁾

5-MeO-DMT:

Potential short-term side effects include:⁽¹⁸⁾

Research into 5-MeO-DMT is still relatively limited, but studies suggest it has potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of depression and anxiety. These effects are thought to stem from its ability to induce powerful, mystical experiences that can lead to lasting changes in perspective and reductions in symptoms of mental health conditions.⁽¹⁷⁾

The personal journey toward healing is intricate and unique, and psychedelic therapy may provide an alternative path for many. However, psychedelics are not for everyone, and traveling to a psychedelic retreat should be seen as a major undertaking that requires extensive research and planning.

Preparing for a Psychedelic Retreat: 20 Essential Things You Need To Know

When looking for and researching your psychedelic retreat, you should consider various factors.

These include:

A personal referral is a great place to start, but if that’s not possible, you should explore reviews and first-hand testimony from the retreat’s former clients. One of the best resources for finding authentic reviews is Retreat Guru, the longest-running psychedelic and meditation retreat hub on the internet.

However, reviews alone aren’t enough to base your decision on. You should also visit a potential retreat’s website to check staff qualifications and even call ahead with a list of prepared questions for the retreat.

Important Questions to Ask Before Attending a Retreat

Before attending a psychedelic retreat, you should ask the staff questions about their facility, team, expectations, and other considerations. Some examples include:

Principles of Psychedelic Safety at Retreats

Embarking on a psychedelic journey requires not just an openness to new experiences, but also a strong commitment to safety. Participants should educate themselves on the harm reduction principles and the nuances of navigating altered states of consciousness. The importance of a safe setting is paramount, as the vulnerability induced by psychedelics can be profound. Ensuring the retreat has a structured environment to prevent harm, with qualified personnel who can offer support and intervention if needed, is essential. Individuals should look for retreats that provide clear communication about their safety protocols and offer resources for preparing mentally and physically for the experience.

Popular Destinations For Legal Psychedelic Retreats

While psychedelic medicine is largely still illegal in many nations, a few are on the cutting edge of psychedelic tourism. Some of the most popular destinations for psychedelic retreats are:^(19, 20)

Retreat Guru is the most comprehensive resource for learning about retreats, their locations, and local regulations. Operating since 2014​, they offer the largest and most diverse database of psychedelic retreats, healing centers, meditation retreats, and more, with over 2000 listings. You can easily check reviews, read guest testimonials, and find contact information for retreats worldwide.

Before choosing a psychedelic retreat, individuals should consider the following:

Finally, go inward and assess your availability for the unknowns inherent in these experiences. You cannot predict the outcome of a psychedelic journey, and may find yourself overestimating the impact in some cases, and underestimating the potentially decentering results in others.

Psychedelics are not a panacea, and it’s important to know that you will still have challenges in your life. Psychedelics have the potential to catalyze a deepening in your awareness about what you need to work on, more than act as a “cure.” Psychedelics also have the potential to cause us to question our very perception of reality as we currently understand it, and that’s not an experience that every individual wants to undertake.

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, individuals can make an informed decision and choose a retreat that is committed to providing a safe, legal, and enriching psychedelic experience.

In some regions, the retreat may be led by spiritual leaders or indigenous healers who bring a wealth of traditional knowledge but may lack formal medical training. While spiritual guidance can be a valuable component of the experience, it is also important for participants to have access to medical supervision and therapeutic support.

Before booking a retreat, consider the entire team involved, including any medical supervisors, therapists, and facilitators, and ensure they operate within a framework that prioritizes participant safety and holistic care. In some cases, you may be working with traditional or indigenous healers who focus on using their respective psychedelic medicine in ways that conform to specific cultural traditions. Often, these healers will have many decades of experience to offer.

Key Factors to Consider for a Psychedelic Retreat:

Contraindications for Classical Psychedelics

Classic psychedelics, recognized for their profound effects on consciousness, also carry contraindications, particularly for certain health conditions. They can cause an increase in both blood pressure and heart rate, which may present dangers for individuals with existing cardiovascular issues or poorly managed hypertension. Furthermore, psychedelic use is contraindicated for anyone pregnant, who has a history of seizures or stroke, or who suffers from severe heart conditions, such as unmanaged hypertension, heart failure, or a history of significant cardiac events.⁽²¹⁾

Other Psychedelic Contraindications Include:

Additionally, there’s an elevated risk of adverse reactions for individuals with a background of cardiovascular disease, seizure disorders, or a personal or familial history of psychotic conditions. Due to the interaction of psychedelics with serotonin receptors in the brain, there’s a risk of serotonin syndrome—a serious and potentially fatal condition—if combined with other serotonin-increasing substances, such as certain antidepressants.⁽²¹⁾

As mentioned, from a psychiatric standpoint, individuals with a history of, or predisposition to, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or severe mood disorders may face increased risks of enduring psychosis following psychedelic use. Those with significant trauma may also encounter intense re-experiencing of past traumas, which underscores the necessity of consulting with a mental health professional before considering psychedelic use.^(21, 22)

Lastly, anyone who has previously had negative reactions to psychedelic substances, including extended psychosis or suicidal thoughts, should avoid their use. It’s crucial to discuss any intent to use psychedelics with a healthcare provider, taking into account the intricacies of an individual’s medical and psychological history.⁽²³⁾

Psychedelic Retreat Red Flags to Watch Out For

Psychedelic retreats may offer support for those seeking therapeutic and spiritual experiences. In the best circumstances, these retreats are not only about the administration of psychedelic substances, but also about the supportive environment that fosters a deeper connection with the self and others.

However, experiencing psychedelics in a strange new setting or in a country where there may be language barriers can be a source of distress. Furthermore, as mentioned, you should never attend a psychedelic retreat or healing ceremony with the belief that it will instantly fix any problems. Psychedelic medicine requires hard work, proper integration, and commitment. As access to conventional psychedelic therapy remains limited by legal and regulatory frameworks, retreats may serve as a gateway for some ready to embark on this transformative path.

While the potential benefits of guided psychedelic use at a retreat are significant, they are not without risks. The altered states of consciousness induced by these substances can leave individuals vulnerable, emphasizing the need for a safe and controlled environment. Psychedelic retreats, operating in a space that lacks regulation, require careful consideration to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. It’s imperative for those considering a retreat to thoroughly research and select facilities that prioritize participant care, employ experienced facilitators, and uphold the highest standards of safety and ethical practice. The responsibility lies heavily on individuals to discern and choose retreats with a proven track record of providing supportive and secure experiences.

Unfortunately, every industry has its bad actors, and those who put their egos or financial needs before the needs and safety of their guests. For example, a recent story about the infamous and cult-like environment at the former Sowilo retreat center has highlighted the dangers that unscrupulous individuals can pose to guests. The article, originally run by Ecstatic Integration, includes testimonials from former guests that describe some bizarre and unethical behavior by the retreat owner, Bruno Cluzel. Some of the accounts detail Cluzel abusing the powerful psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT and forcing guests to mix psychedelics, something that an experienced and ethical facilitator will never do.⁽²⁴⁾

When evaluating psychedelic retreats, be cautious of the following red flags that may indicate potential issues:

Navigating the world of psychedelic retreats can be daunting due to the absence of universal standards and regulations. This uncharted territory calls for due diligence from potential participants to ensure that their chosen retreat operates with integrity and transparency. Prospective attendees should seek testimonials, scrutinize the credentials of the facilitators, and inquire about the protocols in place for handling emergencies or adverse reactions. Selecting a retreat that promises an enriching experience and places a premium on harm reduction principles is crucial. By taking these precautionary steps, individuals can mitigate the risks and maximize the therapeutic potential of their psychedelic journey.

Understanding That Things Can Go Wrong at a Psychedelic Retreat

Several complications can arise while you’re at a psychedelic retreat, and participants need to be aware of these potential risks:

Awareness and preparation are key to mitigating these risks.

For those preparing to embark on a psychedelic retreat, and equally for those returning from one, support is crucial. It’s important to have access to a network that can offer guidance and therapy supervision and help build a co-therapy team. Resources such as educational materials, harm reduction guides, and community support can be invaluable in maximizing the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic experiences. Whether at the journey’s beginning or in the following integration phase, the right support can make all the difference in translating profound moments into lasting positive change.

Psychedelic Support and Resources

The psychedelic community has numerous options for support during and after a psychedelic experience. Some of the most well-known resources include:

No matter what stage you’re at with your psychedelic journey, attending a psychedelic retreat can be a life-changing experience. However, thoroughly researching and vetting your chosen retreat is absolutely critical to having a safe, positive experience. Ask questions, check qualifications, and always protect yourself. Safe travels and happy tripping.