Frequently asked questions.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Psychedelics are not for everyone. Never pressure others or be pressured into using them.
Do not combine psychedelics with other substances, and always communicate any drugs you are taking to the facilitator.
Be aware that psychedelics are illegal in most other countries.
Know the contraindications of each substance.
NAVIGATING THE TRANSFORMATIONAL PATH: KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Pause Before Major Decisions: Allow yourself at least 30 days after a significant experience before making major life decisions. If it’s true now, it will still be true in a month. The ego rushes; the inner wise one takes its time.
Medication Supervision: Do not discontinue any medication without the guidance of a qualified physician. Weaning off psychological medication can be destabilizing and, when combined with this work.
Honesty About Mental Stability: Be transparent with yourself and your healthcare providers about your mental stability and support network. There are gentler transformational tools available that won’t trigger disruptive psychological breaks, which can cause lasting damage to your life, career, and relationships. It’s not worth risking your well-being or the community’s integrity.
Integration Time: Treat a big transformational experience like a big meal; give yourself time to digest it. The bulk of the work happens not during the experience but in the integration time between ceremonial experiences.
Grounding and Checking In: Our fast-paced lives can make us feel like we’re speeding on a boat. Take the time to ground yourself, check in with your center, and understand where you are and where you’re going.
Mentors and Trusted Friends: Have mentors and trusted friends who can help you stay grounded and provide reality checks. It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of this world and forget where the ground is and what you truly want to achieve.
Avoid Spiritual Bypassing: True spirituality is not about seeking highs or altered states. It’s about being real, grounded, and responsible. Be open to feedback from multiple mentors, especially those with therapeutic training, to reflect on your blind spots.
Complement Therapy: This work can support therapy but not replace it. There is no substitute for a trained mental health professional for deep psychological and traumatic issues. In some cases its advised to find a therapist who can support, supplement, and contextualize your journey.
Beware of 'More is Better': In a culture that often seeks extremes, our work teaches us subtlety and sensitivity. Consider finding the minimum effective dose rather than seeking more elsewhere.
Keep a Transformational Calendar: Space out different kinds of experiences, incorporating daily, monthly, quarterly, and yearly practices. Undertake fasts from all practices occasionally to see what surfaces for you.
Avoid Decisions During Experiences: Major life decisions should not be made during a psychedelic experience or within the 2-3 months following.
Complete the Process: Preparation and integration are the cornerstones of this work and your safety. Leaving the in-person retreat in a stressful manner or with any form of resistance is unsafe for your psychology and impacts the group and our team. Once you are in, keep that maturity in mind.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the transformational path with awareness, responsibility, and respect for both yourself and the broader community.
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 CAN’T 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 you’ll 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. Want to know more about the difference between Truffles and Mushrooms containing psilocybin? Read our article here in our forum.
Refer to the section “Contraindications” 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.
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.
Want to know more about group vs solo journeying, read our article in our forum here.
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 one’s 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.
I’M 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.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
To sign up you will need to fill out two intake questionnaire & pay the retreat fee.
We will be communicating with the group in detail leading up to the retreat. Please be sure to book a flight that is refundable in the calamities, or other unforeseen circumstances.
In addition to the above, please arrive on time so as not to miss an important orientation to your retreat. Remain on the property while on retreat. Everything you need is here!
LIABILITY
We do NOT accept any liability for: cancellations, delays, or changes caused by war, threat of war, terrorist actions or threats, closure of airports, civil strife, industrial action, natural disaster, technical problems with transport, staff cancellations, or other events beyond our control. This also includes participants' medical or psychiatric conditions which may develop during or after the retreat, and loss of, or damage to, personal property of participants.
HEALTH
Non-disclosure of relevant health information, whether physical or psychiatric, can invalidate your travel insurance and cancel our contractual obligation to you. You must inform us of any health issues prior to booking.
To avoid injury, we ask that you agree to follow all instructions given to you by the instructors and facilitators regarding when, where, and how to perform and not to perform the sessions, and other physical activities. Any deviation by you from such instructions shall be at your own risk. Participants must listen to their own bodies and work within their own limitations. If any movements hurt or are uncomfortable, it is your responsibility not to take any exercise to a level of discomfort or pain. Awaken the Medicine Within team will not be held responsible for any injuries suffered, caused in whole or in part by failure to faithfully follow instructions.
Our retreats are not suitable if you cannot take responsibility for yourself either physically or emotionally. By signing the sent waiver, you confirm that you are medically, physically, emotionally, and in all respects fit and able to participate in this retreat and will not leave the retreat setting under any circumstances during our process or expanded states of consciousness.
PAYMENT POLICY
Deposit payment needs to be made within seven days of booking. Full payment is required at least 30 days prior to the start of the retreat. You will receive a separate email with an invoice through our accounting system. Please be sure to regularly check your spam folder for emails from us.
Depending on your country of residence, please be aware that all our pricing excludes Dutch local 21% VAT, which might be added.
After the invoice has been emailed to you, a first payment or full payment (depending of timing of booking) must be made within 7 days to secure the reservation. Please note, once payments are made through this option, they are not refundable.
Additionally: We suggest all our participants obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for sports activities.
GUEST CANCELLATION POLICY
Unfortunately, over the years, we have suffered financially due to flexible cancellation policies; therefore, we have a no-refund policy at this stage. Exceptions to our policy cannot be made for any reason. We do not offer credits for guests arriving late, leaving early, or experiencing unforeseen medical or emotional changes. We reserve the right to change participants' attendance based on new information provided to us and are not obligated to refund in any way.
RETREAT CANCELLATION POLICY
If we must cancel a booked retreat date for any reason, such as COVID restrictions or lack of attendance, you may transfer your full retreat payment to a future retreat. Refunds are not possible. 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.
It is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policy before making a reservation. Naturally, no one books with the intention of canceling or postponing their retreat, but unexpected things do happen, so please purchase travel cancellation insurance once you have made your reservation.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL INTERACTIONS
We understand that there may be times when personal matters require reaching out to our team. However, we kindly ask that clients refrain from reaching out to our team members privately or requesting their private phone numbers. To maintain professionalism and respect personal boundaries, our team will not engage in communications through private numbers.
If you find yourself in need of professional services within three months of reaching out for personal reasons, please contact our support team directly. This will allow us to assess your needs accurately and ensure that the appropriate assistance is allocated or that you are redirected to the most suitable services. All communications should be directed through our official channels, ensuring that your needs are met promptly and appropriately. Our goal is to provide timely and effective support while maintaining clear boundaries between personal and professional interactions. This approach helps us provide consistent, secure, and professional support to all clients.
Feel free to contact us here: support@awakenthemedicinewithin.com
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.
