My experience with psychedelic trauma and re-traumatization

I’ve experienced a lot in the realm of plant medicines, and I’m tired of staying silent about it. I’m tired of the glorification that often happens in these spaces. I’ve experienced severe adverse effects and re-traumatization due to a lack of support and a massive lack of safety. This has happened a few years ago, and only this year have I reached a point where I can no longer trivialize it.

Not only did I experience severe adverse effects such as depersonalization, anxiety, extreme muscle pain, and suicidal ideation, but I also wasn’t met with any support during that time. The facilitator and helpers didn’t have the knowledge or tools to help me. They were completely overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do, which they even admitted to me. In a state where I was terrified, I might never be okay again, being told that „this is just the medicine still working through you“ is not an adequate support in any way. Absolutely not. It is actual harm, resulting in re-traumatization from the lack of proper support.

The reason I’m talking about this now is because I want to raise awareness. Especially if you’re not feeling anchored within yourself, not fully trusting your intuition, or your choices, a very dangerous dynamic can unfold when the facilitator is not holding space with full integrity and instead is serving their own ego.