“Discernment”

So, you are interested in trying psychedelics. There is potential for healing and growth in the use of these substances, but it isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. The following are a few considerations that might be helpful to ask yourself before you make a decision. These questions might lead you to a “no”, “not now,” or a “yes.” No matter what you decide, it is important to go through a process of intentional discernment. 

Is it legal?

Generally speaking, and with limited exceptions for peyote and ayahuasca, most psychoactive plants and fungi are illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act.  And while some states and municipalities have decriminalized psychoactive plants and fungi, it is nonetheless important to fully understand the limitations of local government action in order to properly appreciate your legal exposure and personal risk. The same holds true for religious exercise with psychedelics which may be protected under the 1st Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act.  That said, we encourage you to exercise due diligence, including consulting legal counsel if necessary, prior to engaging in the use of psychedelics. 

Do you really want to?

It is important to engage with another person or people who you trust and have your best interests at heart.  If you have a trusted pastor, spiritual advisor, or psychotherapist, consider talking to them. 

 In recent years, psychedelics have had a resurgence in popularity. Maybe you have a friend or loved one who has had a life changing experience and has been encouraging you to try psychedelics as well. They might have your best intentions at heart, but this doesn’t mean you have to try them or should try them. 

You shouldn’t feel pressured by an individual or group into trying psychedelics if you aren’t comfortable with the idea. Yes, life is full of risks and unknowns, but you need to make sure that these are the steps that you want to take. 

There are many paths to healing and growth, psychedelics are just one path of many. There may be another good and beautiful path for you that doesn’t involve ingesting psychoactive  substances. Or you may discover that now is not the right time. 

Alternatively, maybe you are very certain this path is for you and you have no reservations about taking the next step. This too might be cause for some more caution. Consider good reasons to not try psychedelics as a part of your path of discernment and preparation. 

These are powerful tools and should be used with appropriate reverence, respect, and caution. 

What are your expectations?

If you’ve heard a story about psychedelics recently it is likely about their potential for healing and growth. But psychedelics are not a “silver bullet” and some people have negative experiences. Psychedelics are one tool that hold the potential for healing, growth, and transformation but that doesn’t mean using a psychedelic will automatically bring those things about. 

Do you feel prepared?

Preparation is important to take seriously and if you find yourself in a place where you don’t feel like you can commit to preparation, consider whether or not now is a good time for any kind of psychedelic experience. 

Indigenous traditions that have held the wisdom of sacred plants have long emphasized the importance of preparation. This has often been in the form of a “dieta” that restricts or eliminates the consumption of certain foods or other drugs in a period of time leading up to a session. 

You might receive specific guidance from a group you are working with on ways you can prepare. In addition to this group’s recommendations, consider spending extra time and attention with your existing spiritual practices. And, if possible, reduce digital media consumption in the days leading up to your experience. 

Do you have a plan?

It is also important to find an organization or guide that you can trust. When under the influence of a psychedelic, you are in a vulnerable position. Sadly, there are cases of sexual, emotional and spiritual abuse with psychedelic practitioners. Or you may find yourself with a guide who is well intentioned but lacks experience. 

It is important to vet any person or organization you hope to work with. Personal recommendations are helpful to find people you can trust. And, if there is something that makes you feel uncertain or uncomfortable, pay attention to that feeling and check with others. 

Do you understand the risks?

No substance use, or intensive experience, is without risk. Understanding the kinds of risks you might choose to take is important. 

Any guide or organization should have a thorough screening process to identify potential concerns with physical health, mental health or interaction with medications. Please be completely honest during this process as it is intended for your safety. If there is no screening process, that is a concerning sign and you should reconsider working with that person or group.

One recent survey reported that up to 9% of those who have taken a psychedelic experience some kind of impairment more than 24 hours after use. This included anything from trouble sleeping, to headaches and increased anxiety. These complications were highly associated with the use of other medications, a negative mindset, no psychological support and a major life event preceding experience. 

Health safety- Psychedelics are relatively non-toxic with little risk for overdose. However, the intensity of the experience may exacerbate certain heart conditions. While rare, some people do experience long-term sensory distortions after the use of psychedelics called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.

Behavioral- It is important to use psychedelics in a controlled environment. And, ensure that there are those who are not under the influence to provide guidance. Just like you shouldn’t drink and drive, you want to be safe with any activity you undertake while using psychedelics. Because of their power to alter consciousness, psychedelics may have a high behavioral risk in certain settings. 

Mental Health- While many have found healing for mental health issues for psychedelics, this is not always the case. In particular, those with a history (or family history) of schizophrenia, bipolar and other psychotic disorders should avoid psychedelics. If you are uncertain, always be cautious. And if you’re working with a psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, talk with them too 

Medication- A trained guide should help you understand any potential concerns surrounding medication with a specific concern around psychiatric medications. You can read more about potential medication issues here. 

Trauma- Experiences of past trauma may arise while using a psychedelic. This can be especially challenging if this occurs in a group setting. If you have a significant history of trauma, make sure you are with a group you can trust or consider pursuing a more private path with someone who has the requisite experience to support you. 

Spiritual- While people often have positive spiritual experiences, it is important to note that there are spiritual concerns. One common issue is what is often called “ego inflation.” This is most common for those who engage in regular repeated use and continue chasing the next “experience” without integrating their previous work. If you choose to use psychedelics, we recommend having a pre-existing relationship with a spiritual director who can help you discern around your own spiritual health.  

Suggestibility- One of the potential benefits of psychedelics is increased neuro-plasticity and increased ability to make new neural connections. However, it is important to be aware that this also means you may be in a state of increased suggestibility and may find the views and beliefs of those around you more compelling than you might otherwise. Be careful about making any major life decisions without a longer process of discernment and integration. 

Addiction- “Classic” psychedelics are not considered addictive in the typical sense of the word as they have a very low risk for physical dependency. However, it is always possible to develop an unhealthy relationship with a substance and psychedelics are no exception. And, some substances often referred to as psychedelics, like MDMA and Ketamine, have higher risk potentials. 

Community Support

The decision to try psychedelics is a big one. Like with lots of life decisions, it is helpful to have people you know, love and trust to discuss it with. This is true in discerning whether or not this path is for you, preparing for the experience and integrating the experience afterwards. 

“Integration” refers to a process after a psychedelic experience of interpreting more of what the experience meant to you and how to apply those lessons in your life. Many groups or guides offer integration after your experience. Ligare hopes to offer additional integration opportunities soon, using the gifts of resources of well trained spiritual directors.  

A spiritual/religious community can also help you discern what your next steps might be. And, can help you process ideas or insights you might have had. Just because you thought or felt something in your psychedelic experience does not mean you should act on it or that it is “true.” This work still requires lots of discernment. The bigger decision or change you are considering, the more important it is to have others support you with that process.