Working Responsibly with Psychedelics: Contraindications
Most people step into a ceremony with psychedelics / sacred plant medicine with a prepared attitude of courage, curiosity, and an open heart. But that is not the only preparation it takes to have a safe and worthwhile journey. It is not only important that you really feel the call but also that it is the right moment for you to join a plantmedicin ceremony; aligned with where you are in life.
There are situations where I would gently, but clearly, say: don’t do it right now. Not yet. Not like this.
Here’s what I want to share with you—things I’ve learned from experience, both personal and professional, to support you taking the first step in making a conscious and informed choice about whether or not to participate in a psychedelic journey. The second step is of course to reach out and contact us!
Take your time
Psychedelics can be incredibly powerful, but it’s not something to rush into. Give yourself the time to reflect, ask questions, and prepare. A few things to check in with:
How am I doing emotionally right now? If you’re in the middle of a crisis, deep depression, or feeling very unstable, this might not be the moment. The medicine brings things up—it doesn’t make them go away.
Is my body ready? Preparation is not just about eating clean (though that helps)—it’s about creating space in your system. The diet ask you to avoid alcohol, drugs, processed foods, and even sexual stimulation in the days or weeks before ceremony.
What’s my intention? You don’t need a clear “goal”. But knowing why you feel called can help you stay grounded when things get intense.
Some clear No’s
There are situations where I would gently, but clearly, say: don’t do it right now. Not yet. Not like this.
Medications
If you’re taking:
SSRIs (antidepressants)
MAOIs
Antipsychotics or mood stabilizers
Recreational drugs
…please talk to a medical professional first. Psychedelics can interact dangerously with these substances. It’s not worth the risk.
Mental health conditions
If you or someone in your immediate family have been diagnosed with:
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia
psychosis
Psychedelics are not advised. It can destabilize more than it heals in those cases.
Psychedelics have both potential benefits and unique risks for personality disorders personality disorders such as narcissisms or borderline personality disorder. Still, in such cases as well as for anxiety, burnout, or PTSD, sacred plant medicine ceremonies could bring deep beneficial transformation —but only in the right setting, with strong guidance, plenty of aftercare and support for integration.
In our retreats psychiatric indications like borderline, schizophrania, bipolar and (predisposition to) psychosis, are ca ontra indication. If you are in therapeutic treatment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not on own initiative), you first need to discuss participation, and send us a written advice from your therapist if you want to join one of our retreats with plant medicine ceremony.
Condition of heart and other organs
Psychedelics can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. If you have any severe neurological disorders, heart and vascular diseases (like angina pectoris), brain haemorrhages, abnormal blood cells, kidney diseases, gastric bypass or other stomach surgeries are a contra indication.
Your upper bloodpressure may not exceed 130. If you use medication for blood pressure or beta blockers it's a contra indication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant it is best to wait. The fetus could prematurely be driven away by the intense emotional and physical processes that can take place. Breastfeeding is fine; you only have to throw the milk away during the fast, the retreat and at least 1 day after the ceremony.
Physical recovery
If your body’s still healing from surgery or major illness, give yourself more time. The medicine will wait for you.
When you are ready
Sometimes the clearest sign that it’s not the moment isn’t medical. It’s a feeling. You might notice:
You’re trying to escape something, not meet it
You’re ignoring a gut feeling that says “not now”
You feel unsure but afraid to say no
The space or guide doesn’t feel right to you
Trust yourself. If something feels off, it probably is. Contact us to double-check it. There are easy ways to let your body instead of your mind give a clear answer here! We can help with that.
Psychedelics are not a magic solution. They are teachers, not a shortcut. It can be beautiful and liberating—but also challenging, humbling, and physically intense. It is certainly not for everyone. And that’s okay.
There’s no prize for having “done it.”
If you’re unsure, don’t push but contact us, share your situation honestly, and take the time you need to make a grounded decision.
If you do feel ready, and you have taken time to prepare—emotionally, physically, spiritually—it can be one of the most meaningful encounters of your life.
