Trying Psychedelics
As you step into the new world of psychedelics, here are a few things to consider.
Do your research. Learn about each option and their “personalities”.
My first two experiences were with ayahuasca. From the research I did, I learned ayahuasca is a more direct and intense entheogen. I felt drawn to it, because I had serious things I wanted to work through. That's not to say it was "all business", quite the opposite. Ayahuasca is very loving, even silly at times. But Ayahuasca won't beat around the bush and will get to the heart of what you need. Some refer to it as "mother ayahuasca". It definitely has a maternal feel, like a cosmic mother cradling you in her arms.
That being said, there were times when it was intense, uncomfortable, and unpleasant. Not because of the ayahuasca but because of the nature of what I was dealing with. Medicine and healing sometimes work that way. It's not something to be afraid of. It won't immobilize you.
Consider a lower or regular dose your first time.
When it comes to dosing, don't feel pressured to do a "hero" dose on your first time. Some people feel better getting thier feet wet before trying to shoot for the moon. Do what makes you feel comfortable.
Be aware, larger doses can kick your butt, physically and mentally. If you go for a higher dose, make sure you have a safe way to get home. Make sure you have a support network of trusted friends and sympathetic mental health professionals to help you integrate after. Consider taking a day or two for respite in case you need time to recover, both physically and mentally.
Choose trustworthy, responsible guides who will respect your vulnerability and keep you safe.
Be careful choosing guides. Find someone you can trust. Seek referrals. A guide can be a friend, a mentor, a licensed therapist, an experienced healer), etc.
Always trust your gut instincts. Voice your concerns. Pass on offers you don't feel good about. Leave situations that seem “off”, BEFORE you take any medicine.
It is a red flag if your guide is not willing to share what you are taking and in what dosages. These are not “trade secrets”. Ask about strain and origin, what it is mixed with, and what exactly you are ingesting. If they don’t tell you - leave.
Remember to be safe, cautious, and deliberate with these things. You are vulnerable during these experiences. Choose guides and venues that will honor your vulnerability. You have the right to be safe, don't let anyone try to compromise or persuade you out of that.
Also do some research and ask your contacts about what is a reasonable price. You shouldn't need to fork out too much money to have these experiences.
Make sure you’re in a good psychological place to handle using psychedelics.
Be mindful of your emotional, mental, and physical states as you prepare for a psychedelic journey. If you have a high risk mental condition- such as manic depression, or bipolar disorder, schizophrenia in your family, or are at risk for suicide- consult a mental health professional first, and maybe forgo using psychedelics altogether.
We bring our emotional state into these experiences. If you're not in the mood or in a good place, it's better to wait and try another time.
Be aware of the potential for death and suicide ideation.
Be careful about the potential for death and/or suicide ideation, and understand the importance of "coming back". The things that come up during these experiences can be deep, and go into forgotten, unlit corners of your mind.
I had a foretaste of what death is like during an ayahuasca experience. It was intense, and beautiful. A large part of me wanted to simply pass away. The prospect of continuing to live was unbearable. To me, death wasn't painful, living was painful. Such a thing can be a wonderful experience, but it can have some difficult aftermath. If you experience this, please talk about it after the ceremony- talk about it with your guide, other group members, your therapist, or a close friend.
Get help integrating and grounding afterward.
Integration starts as the medicine releases you. Take notes, circle up with others in your session, connect to your guide, be ready to talk with trusted friends and family, and have an appointment with a therapist.
It doesn't do you any good to dwell in that space after you're done. Occasionally some hold on too tightly to the medicine. If you are doing that, ask for help. It's not that you did anything wrong or bad, or that you shouldn't have done it, it just means you need assistance integrating back into concrete reality. Address both of these things- death ideation and grounding- with your guide before showing up to a ceremony and taking the medicine. Make contingency plans for yourself in advance, just in case this happens.
Don’t make immediate life-changing decisions.
Don't make any immediate life-changing decisions after using psychedelics. Give yourself time to be fully grounded. This is time to reflect, and process, and see how you feel about things. The work and integration comes in the days, weeks, and months following your ceremony, rather than during the ceremony itself. The real power of these substances is in the opening of your mind and the reprocessing of your traumas to work out your issues and problems. As you go forward in life, you’ll see and think of things you didn't before.
Psychedelics can be wonderful tools to help you. They are medicine, and should be used with deliberation, care, and respect. It's a brave new world out there, and you're brave for considering this step. Seek out those who have been in this world longer, who have wisdom and experience to share. Talk to them, get their perspectives. I hope you find what you need.
Safe Travels!