A psychedelic retreat is a guided, multi-day program with a set or semi-set itinerary hosted by one or more facilitators where psychoactive substances or processes are administered to guests to improve their mental well-being.
Psychedelic retreats are typically led by experienced facilitators who have gone through their own psychoactive-centered journey for self-improvement and learned how to administer the substances from veteran practitioners.
These activities are meant to draw on the insights the guest might have collected from their psychedelic experience so that they can be understood, and the learnings can be applied consciously to their daily lives.
[5] Psilocybin, the active ingredient in ‘magic mushrooms,’ generally creates a mild hallucinatory experience, with pleasant audio and visual distortions and good feelings.
Ibogaine, the active ingredient in the Iboga root, sourced primarily from Western Africa, is known to produce a much more difficult experience for its consumer and can be physically dangerous if not administered appropriately.
Guests can choose to visit a retreat with access to a local beach; surrounded by nature deep in a tropical jungle; in a private home; or at a rented convention facility at the center of an urban area.
[6] There are several specific mental health disorders that psychedelic therapy, delivered in any setting, may help treat, including greatly alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, notably in scenarios where these afflictions are resistant to other treatments.
Retreat ceremonies are typically conducted by a Shaman who has been trained by indigenous people regarding the proper preparation and administration of the psychoactive compound.
[2] Psychedelic tourism is gaining popularity in many countries that allow the substances to be administered, either due to their decriminalized, unregulated, or fully legal status.
In 2020, a 29-year-old British woman went to Peru for an ayahuasca retreat and developed mental health issues upon returning home, which later may have contributed to her committing suicide.