I often get letters from folks sharing their experiences and asking thoughtful questions. These conversations often offer remarkable insights that many others are wondering about too. Kery’s letter is a wonderful example because her question is really about plant medicine integration after the journey, what happens within us once the ceremony is over and everyday life begins again. So, I’m sharing her letter with you today, as she’s curious about what comes after the spiritual journeying itself.
A Reader’s Question About Withdrawal
“Hi Becca,
This retreat is very intriguing! I do have a question.
If plant medicine is used to heal and it’s discontinued after the retreat, are there withdrawal symptoms that can be detrimental to the healing process? For example, after the psilocybin sessions could a person become depressed or anxious as a result of stopping the substance?
What’s your professional opinion on this?
Thanks, Kery“
Hi Kery, I hear you’re wondering whether to expect withdrawal symptoms after journeying. So, as a clinician, here’s my professional opinion…
First, we’re working only with psilocybin (magic mushrooms) during the retreat – so I’ll answer your question addressing that. It’s good to know that psilocybin mushrooms have been used for millennia for spiritual and medicinal purposes. And in today’s culture, there’s a huge interest in its potential therapeutic uses for various conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
What we know so far is that the plant medicine can help by creating new neural pathways and offering profound, perspective-shifting experiences. Animal and human studies indicate low abuse and no physical dependence potential. Ongoing work by researchers at Johns Hopkins continues to point in this same direction.
My Emotional Liberation techniques achieve similar results, with enduring healing effects – regardless of any substances we use with it. But the inclusion of the plant medicine enhances this process allowing for deeper transformative shifts. It’s a powerful combination.
Kery, I’m glad you contacted me with this question because it allows me to talk about the retreat. Thank you very much! During our week together, participants have the choice of the gentle illumination of microdosing psilocybin or the more intense experience of the two journey paths. When a person registers, we’ll meet via zoom to have a detailed pre-retreat session to explore their goals and intentions to ensure an experience perfectly tailored to suit their needs.
Now, in regard to “withdrawal symptoms” that you ask about, psilocybin itself isn’t considered physically addictive. This “nonaddictive” quality makes it unique when compared to many pharmaceutical substances that are used therapeutically for mood management like opioids – and even with SSRI’s there’s the potential for dependence and withdrawal. In fact, major national surveys about psilocybin indicate low rates of substance abuse, few people who seek treatment, and minimal potential for harm.
The Ongoing Work of Plant Medicine Integration
But there certainly is an ongoing effect – I’d call it a beneficial one! The plant medicine journey is only the beginning of healing. That’s why I have an intensive follow-up process 3-to-10 days after the psilocybin retreat experience to help with integration – the process continues to unfold and a person often experiences changes in their perception and feelings over time. Our session helps nurture staying on track to integrate the internal changes into our daily lives. The support is vital to maximize the healing potential.
It also gives us a gentle place to notice when anxious feelings resurface later, so they can be met rather than feared. The support is vital to maximize the healing potential.
To optimize everyone’s outcome, my work during the retreat is to help participants to calm and regulate their nervous system. This is the “magic” that allows for profound exploration of emotions, sensations and consciousness during the psychedelic encounter.
A Note About Legality in Portugal
By the way, I’ve also been getting questions about psilocybin’s legality here in Portugal. In 2001, Portugal decriminalized the possession and consumption of all drugs for personal use. Hence, personal use of substances is not illegal but operates in an undefined regulatory space. This hasn’t presented an obstacle to its use within Portugal.
Kery, thanks again for your important question about psilocybin journeying as it gave me a chance to share more about the retreat 😊
With Love,
Becca
P.S. Aside from Kery, if you’re reading this and wondering if the October retreat is right for you, I invite you to set a time with me to chat or email me at Becca@EmotionalLib.com
