Psychedelic Retreat: Discover the Benefits, Risks and Scientific Insights

The use of mind-altering substances is not so strange these days, and psychedelic retreats are also becoming more and more normal. Because science has also found more evidence for the positive impact that these substances can have on our mental health, it is no wonder that ways are being found to introduce people to them. You can dive into your own subconscious in a psychedelic retreat, but do you really get anything out of it?

What is a psychedelic retreat?

Not so long ago, a psychedelic retreat was still viewed with a certain amount of suspicion. These mainly focused on the alternative side of society. However, the opinion has slowly shifted and these retreats are now also becoming increasingly popular with larger groups. According to Data Bridge Market Research, the psychedelic drug market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, from $3.8 billion in 2023 to $10.7 billion in 2027. PR Newswire

That's not wrong in itself, but it's important to look at it critically and see whether, in addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages. Psychedelics can be used in different ways and in different settings. You can use mind-altering substances such as magic mushrooms, LSA or mescaline cacti at home. In addition, there is also the possibility that such substances are prescribed in a clinical setting under the supervision of a therapist or physician. Nowadays, however, you can also trip when you go to a psychedelic retreat.

This makes supervised tripping a bit more accessible: you can still get guidance from someone who hopefully has experience in the field of drugs, tripping and the effects that these substances can have. The environment is safe and you get the support you need. The question is of course whether this is worth the money (such a retreat usually costs quite a bit).

What can you experience during a psychedelic retreat?

These special retreats where you can trip on a mind-altering substance under supervision are usually held in a quiet, remote location. It is of course also important that you are not disturbed. There is a lot of attention for mental well-being, that you are relaxed and exercises are done to prepare you for the trip. Yoga, mindfulness, meditation and healings are often offered.

Most people who go to such a retreat will have an issue or problem that they want to focus on. So there is also attention for your goal or intention. When it is time for the ceremony, you will focus on that. The substances used for a psychedelic retreat are, for example, mushrooms, ayahuasca or LSD.

Depending on how the retreat is set up, the session will have a certain structure. Music can be used, chanting, but also silence or therapeutic touch. After the trip there is room to process the experience, this also happens under the guidance of an experienced therapist. You can express yourself in art, music, a group discussion or individual conversations.

The benefits of psychedelic retreats

Are these trips effective? There have been several studies that have shown that retreats can have a positive effect on well-being, creativity, and anxiety reduction. A study from 2019 (T and F Online) showed that participants in a psilocybin retreat experienced a significant increase in emotional empathy after the session. They felt more connected to people with negative emotions. This effect was strongest immediately after the session and partly persisted for up to a week later.

The same study found a temporary increase in divergent thinking (the ability to come up with multiple solutions to a problem) and a significant increase in life satisfaction. This increase was present both immediately after the session and a week later.

A research from 2022 (Frontiers in Psychiatry) showed that psilocybin in a retreat setting led to a moderate reduction in anxiety, both immediately after the ceremony and a week later. The reduction in anxiety was associated with a sense of ego dissolution and a decrease in neuroticism.

The advantage is that these studies were actually conducted on people and they could provide answers directly on location. However, these are small-scale studies with an average of 50 participants, with even fewer people providing their answers a week after the retreat. More research is therefore needed to gain more clarity about the effectiveness of retreats.

The studies mentioned are often small-scale and the results are not universally applicable. More scientific evidence is needed to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of psychedelic retreats.

What substances are used and how effective are they?

If you look at different psychedelics, they all have their own unique effects and therefore also therapeutic value. Below we list the four most commonly used substances:

• Ayahuasca (DMT): Can cause a deep and intense experience
• Psilocybin in mushrooms: Can cause visual trips, at higher doses can produce vivid visions and lead to spiritual and life-changing insights.
• LSD (acid): A powerful mind-altering substance that can cause intense effects even in low doses.
• MDMA: is increasingly used in a therapeutic setting. Causes strong empathic effects.

The products mentioned are for information purposes only. This article does not contain any promotion or recommendation for the use or purchase of these substances. Always check the applicable legislation in your country and consult a doctor if in doubt.

The safety of the psychedelic retreat

What is very important at a psychedelic retreat is safety. It is important that you feel safe and at ease, but that the substances used are also safe. The guides should be well trained and know how to deal with everything that can come up during a trip. It is certainly not always the case that all this is in order at retreats, whether they are given in the Netherlands or abroad.

In addition, not all psychedelic experiences will be positive. You can have a bad trip or you work through intense experiences or even traumas. If not managed properly, this can have serious consequences. When looking at negative experiences during a trip, research conducted by Jules Evans (the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project) found that two-thirds of the 608 participants who were monitored experienced emotions such as fear, anger, depression, paranoia, shame, panic attacks and trauma that resurfaced.

They experienced these after taking a dose of psilocybin or LSD. A third of these people reported that their difficulties lasted longer than a year, and for a sixth it lasted longer than three years. In this study, only 8% used the psychedelics in a therapeutic research setting. This just goes to show how important proper guidance is when using psychedelics and that these kinds of intense experiences can occur even in the safest of circumstances.

If you are planning to go to a retreat, first find out what kind of experience and training the guides have, read reviews from visitors and call the center to ask questions. Find out what substances are used and whether they are safe for you to use. Also take into account any medications you are taking because of possible interactions. Always ask your doctor for advice.

Important: This blog does not provide medical or therapeutic advice. Always contact a professional if you have any health questions. Psychedelic experiences can be intense and unpredictable. The safety and suitability of a retreat depend on many personal factors.