Psychedelic retreats have grown in popularity. However, health experts are starting to raise safety concerns.These retreats are trips where people typically pay to take drugs like magic mushrooms or ayahuasca. Dr. Abinash Achrekar, KOAT and University of New Mexico health expert, shared there are several reasons why one may take a psychedelic retreat.”People go because they hope to feel better, process stress, or grow emotionally,” Achrekar said. “Some say they have positive experiences, but there are real risks we need to talk about.”Follow Dr. Ash on Facebook and InstagramIt’s important to understand these drugs are illegal in the U.S. under federal law. Achrekar said these means many consume them outside of the U.S.”That’s why many retreats happen in other countries, like Peru or Brazil,” Achrekar said. “A few groups in the U.S. have special religious permission, but that’s rare. Most of these retreats are not regulated, which means there are no clear rules to keep people safe.”Achrekar also shared there are both mental and physical health risks people should consider before indulging, especially for those with specific conditions.”These drugs change how your brain works. Some people feel very scared or confused during the experience,” Achrekar said. “Others may have long-lasting mental health problems. People with certain conditions, like schizophrenia, can get worse symptoms. Experts say this should be treated like a serious medical procedure, not just a wellness activity.”Action 7 News On The Go: Download our app for free
Psychedelic retreats have grown in popularity. However, health experts are starting to raise safety concerns.
These retreats are trips where people typically pay to take drugs like magic mushrooms or ayahuasca. Dr. Abinash Achrekar, KOAT and University of New Mexico health expert, shared there are several reasons why one may take a psychedelic retreat.
“People go because they hope to feel better, process stress, or grow emotionally,” Achrekar said. “Some say they have positive experiences, but there are real risks we need to talk about.”
Follow Dr. Ash on Facebook and Instagram
It’s important to understand these drugs are illegal in the U.S. under federal law. Achrekar said these means many consume them outside of the U.S.
“That’s why many retreats happen in other countries, like Peru or Brazil,” Achrekar said. “A few groups in the U.S. have special religious permission, but that’s rare. Most of these retreats are not regulated, which means there are no clear rules to keep people safe.”
Achrekar also shared there are both mental and physical health risks people should consider before indulging, especially for those with specific conditions.
“These drugs change how your brain works. Some people feel very scared or confused during the experience,” Achrekar said. “Others may have long-lasting mental health problems. People with certain conditions, like schizophrenia, can get worse symptoms. Experts say this should be treated like a serious medical procedure, not just a wellness activity.”
Action 7 News On The Go: Download our app for free
