Frequently asked questions.
WHAT IS ATMW?
Since 2017, AWAKEN THE MEDICINE WITHIN (ATMW) has been providing retreats that bridge contemporary multidisciplinary approaches with traditional wisdom. In our five-day retreats, our experienced team carefully guides participants in the use of psychedelics and other plant medicines in order to facilitate deep healing and transformation. All our retreats are held in a natural setting in either Portugal or Holland where truffles containing psilocybin and 5MeO-DMT are legal and/or decriminalized
HOW DO I BOOK A RETREAT?
You begin by filling in a screening form that includes personal and healthcare questions. These questions are asked in order to help us understand your needs and the appropriateness of the retreat for you; rest assured that no personal information is retained after the retreat has ended. In the form, you will be able to book a 1:1 discovery call with one of our team members, where you can ask any remaining questions and we can address any questions that have arisen. Once your place is confirmed, we will send you billing and preparation information and welcome you into your private group on our membership portal.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND WHAT IS/NOT INCLUDED?
Each program has its own cost. Please refer here to the particular program page for details. The fee includes a group transfer from the airport plus all plant medicines, ceremonies, meals, and accommodation during the retreat. The fee does not include travel expenses or travel insurance.
WHAT IF I CANâT AFFORD THE FEE?
We believe that access to transformational and spiritual experiences should not be constrained by finances. As such, we are committed to offering financial assistance to those who are genuinely unable to afford the cost of our retreats. If you are interested in a scholarship, please apply here.
Please note this application is only for funding. Once the scholarship has been granted, you will still be required to go through the retreat admission process and adhere to all protocols.
CAN I ACCESS YOUR COMMUNITY AND MEMBERSHIP PLATFORM WITHOUT ATTENDING A RETREAT?
The short answer is yes! We would love to welcome you there and learn and grow together. One of our flagship courses is 21 Days of Gratitude. Join us here and youâll receive direct access.
WHAT DOSAGES ARE YOU USING?
The dosage of psychedelics depends on many factors. Different people will respond differently to the same dose, and the same person might respond differently to the same dose on different days. For this reason, your facilitator will work with you to suggest dosages that are best suited to your intentions, desired outcome, nervous system, and somatic awareness.
ARE PSYCHEDELICS SAFE?
Psilocybin
According to recent studies, psilocybin mushrooms (which have the same psychoactive ingredient as truffles) are safer than tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol. These substances are non-addictive and non-toxic, and risks are further mitigated when taken within a structured setting under the guidance of a well-trained facilitator/guide. However, there are important considerations when using psychoactive substances. Refer to the section âContraindicationsâ below.
To learn more, read the article from one of our partners.
5MeO-DMT
A recent study from The Journal of Psychopharmacology found that when administered appropriately 5-MeO-DMT is safe to use and has a low risk of health consequences. However, please be aware of the below precautions:
5-MeO-DMT should not be taken with MAOIs, including some antidepressants. Combining them may cause severe hypertensive symptoms (elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), seizures, long-term kidney damage, serotonin syndrome, and even death.
The experience can be very unpredictable and can include short-term unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and delusional interactions with the environment. Thus, this experience should only be undertaken while seated or lying down, and under the supervision of a trained sitter.
Since people tend to react differently to the same doses, we take extreme caution, even if you have prior experience with tryptamines.
For more information refer to this article from one of our partners.
Though plant medicines, fungi, and psychedelics are safe in most instances, no psychoactive substance is entirely without risks.
High blood pressure, heart disorders, certain types of diabetes, epilepsy, and certain liver, kidney, and thyroid conditions can pose high risks. Mental health problems like schizophrenia, psychosis, particular personality disorders, bipolar, depression, addiction, PTSD, and C-PTSD can be exacerbated by psychedelic consumption.
Medications too can form contraindications. It is important that you list all medications on your application so that we can ascertain the relevant pharmacokinetics (how a psychoactive agent is absorbed, metabolized, and excreted by the body) and pharmacodynamics (the effects of a psychoactive agent, both physical and psychological). We check how the medication might interact in the liver, in the gut, and in the brain. We explore how the combination might influence blood pressure and heart rate. And we research what the influence might be on blood plasma levels, of the medication itself (to ensure there is no loss efficacy nor increase in adverse side-effects), of the psychedelic (to ensure we can gauge the intensity and duration of your experience), and of sugar and electrolytes (which is important with diabetes, for example).
Lastly, we do not recommend that you taper off or temporarily stop your medication as an underlying disorder or symptom might reappear or exacerbate. It is best to seek other types of experiences and not to engage in psychedelics without consulting with a licensed medical professional.
Although our team is highly experienced in this field we are not medical professionals, therefore we are unable to accommodate clients with the above medical conditions. This is for your own safety, the safety of staff, other participants, and the impact on this ecosystem.
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID GUIDELINES?
As Covid guidelines vary from country to country, please ensure that you comply with all rules and regulations from your country of origin and check the latest travel requirements for Holland or Portugal.
Once at the retreat, the Covid regulations are relaxed. The retreats are high contact and high touch and we do not use masks. This is crucial for the preparation, ceremony, and integration work; therefore, if you have any concerns we would suggest that you do not attend at this stage.
If needed will have self-testing kits available for personal testing upon arrival and as needed. If you test positive while on retreat you will be required to self-quarantine. Our team will do everything possible to support you while you recover.
WHO IS ATMW FOR?
ATMW is for people who are looking for a holistic and transpersonal psychedelic experience. We work with people of all ages and walks of life, from those who are new to expanded states of consciousness to the highly experienced. We only ask for your willingness to show up, partake in all elements offered and be curious about the potential of this transformational container.
HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS ARE IN YOUR RETREATS?
To ensure a high-quality and personal experience, we limit the sizes of our groups to either 8 or 12 participants, depending on the program.
WHAT IS YOUR PREPARATION AND INTEGRATION PROCESS?
Preparation, retreat, and integration take place over a period of 5 weeks. Once accepted into the program, you will be provided with materials and suggested exercises to support your preparation for the retreat. A senior facilitator will conduct two preparatory video calls with your group before the retreat and two integration calls afterward to help you and your fellow participants weave the insights from the retreat back into your everyday life. After completion, you may opt to subscribe to the community platform and continue to have access to integration calls, courses, and growth-oriented content.
Please note that we hold firm standards for dietary, drug, and lifestyle protocols two weeks before and one week after the retreat.
CAN I STAY AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT AT THE VENUE?
The venues provided are beautiful and we would certainly understand your desire to stay on after the retreat. However, we consider the venue a sacred space, and as such, it is not appropriate as a holiday destination. If you would like to explore the area we encourage you to find a suitable hotel or other accommodation.
HOW DO I DONATE TO YOUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND?
Many of our participants come out of the retreat with a new understanding of themselves and what they would like to contribute to the world. The practice of giving is universally recognized as one of the most basic human virtues, a quality that testifies to the depth of oneâs humanity.
Financial generosity is crucial to building a caring society based on the flow of our love and resources, and we are able to support others with the generous donations of past participants. If you feel inspired to give back, please visit the donation page to contribute towards our scholarship initiative. All funds are held in a separate bank account and 100% of contributions go toward providing retreat places for those that need financial assistance.
ARE YOU PROVIDING PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY?
We are highly trained and experienced psychedelic facilitators but are not therapists and do not provide psychedelic therapy. Our setting, set and modalities are based on holistic therapeutic and shamanic practices that have been taught by elders, teachers and scientists in the field. What we hold deeply is a container of a kind and non-judgmental awareness where you can explore the deepest parts of yourself. We hold the highest professional standards, but do not give treatment nor actively work with any mental diagnoses. It is important to note that psychedelic retreats are not a substitute for therapy.
IâM ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS. DOES THIS DISQUALIFY ME FOR ATTENDING A RETREAT?
Unfortunately, research is limited regarding the risks of combining antidepressants with psychedelics. Because our highest priority is the safety of our participants, we do not currently accept applicants who use any antidepressants.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you cancel:
We endeavor to provide a personalized experience tailored to the needs of each individual and cohort. Therefore, it can be disruptive to the process when a group member cancels. We encourage you, once accepted into the retreat, to commit to attending and participate fully. However, we understand that life happens. If you need to cancel, the following cancellation policy applies:
The 150⏠administration fee is non-refundable.
Cancellations within 60 days of the arrival date will receive a 60% refund. To avoid this penalty you are also welcome to transfer your place to another qualifying person*.
Cancellations within 1 month of the retreat are not refundable but are transferable to another qualifying person*.
We do not offer credit for guests who arrive late or leave early as it is important to remain for the entire experience.
* The designated person must go through the intake process and be accepted as a participant.
Exceptions to our policy cannot be made for any reason.
If we cancel:
While we have never canceled a retreat to date, if we must cancel a booked retreat date for any reason (e.g. Covid restrictions), you may transfer your full retreat payment to a future retreat.
We will not be held responsible for your expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled retreat, such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover these eventualities.
It is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policy before making a reservation. Naturally, we will do everything within our power to hold the retreat as planned, but unexpected things do happen, so we appreciate your understanding if faced with such an event.
WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED FLIGHT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES?
For travel to and from Faro airport or Amsterdam Schiphol Airport:
Arrival: Your flight must land before 10:30 am Local time on the first day of your retreat to accommodate the retreat start time. The pick-up is at 12 pm at the local airport. Please do not arrive at the venue before 12 pm as the team will be busy with preparations. Especially those traveling from outside the EU, please ensure you land before 10 am local time, customs have an average queuing time of 1,5 hours to 2 hours in high season.
Departure: We advise you to book your departing flight after 7:00 pm Local time on the day of departure. The retreat will conclude at 3:00 pm Local time. Please allow at least 90 minutes of travel time to the airport to ensure sufficient time to pass through customs.
