VETERANS AND FIRST
RESPONDERS PROGRAM
For all people, ayahuasca can serve as a breakthrough treatment option for many different forms of physical and mental health conditions. We started our standalone program for veterans and first responders after seeing first hand just how effective this medicine can be for that community.
PTSD. CPTSD. Transition stress. Hypervigilance. Depression. Anxiety. Addiction. Moral injury. Alienation. Intrusive thoughts or dreams. Hopelessness. Insomnia. Anger. Suicidal ideation.
We understand that underneath all the details, diagnoses, and labels, we are all facing different versions of the same underlying condition — the human condition.
In our retreat setting, not only do veterans and first responders bring their own unique challenges and struggles to the table — they also bring a certain discipline, resilience and a strength of character that fits perfectly with the ayahuasca process.
WORKING WITH AYAHUASCA
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic mixture of two plants native to the Amazon Rainforest — a vine and a leaf. Consuming ayahuasca strongly alters our state of consciousness for a number of hours after it is consumed. We refer to the experience as a ceremony and to the brew and the process as medicine.
Drinking ayahuasca can sometimes feel extremely unpleasant. We often vomit or have diarrhea during the process. We may re-live old traumas or be faced with a barrage of difficult or unwanted thoughts and feelings. We may feel like nothing productive or beneficial is happening for hours or even days.
However, this is exactly how ayahuasca does what it does. Our bodies and minds are releasing built up tension and other forms of detrimental accumulation. Our trauma and memories, thoughts and emotions, come up to the surface where they can be processed from a new perspective. The end result, for most people, is that the troublesome things inside of us are no longer deeply buried or hidden in the shadows, no longer festering and growing worse with time. This is the first big piece of the breakthrough puzzle.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
We are inviting veterans of war, police officers, fire fighters, nurses, doctors and anyone else who feels they legitimately qualify as a first responder to participate in this program. We are also extending the invitation to any family or friends they would like to bring with them. The hope is that people who come together will support each other and hold each other accountable once they return home. This could be spouses, parents, adult children, friends, co workers, etc.
WHO SHOULD NOT DRINK AYAHUASCA?
Ayahuasca is not appropriate for everyone. We will help you decide if it is right for you.
There are certain physical health conditions, such as major heart problems, extremely high blood pressure, or certain kidney disorders that should not be mixed with ayahuasca.
There are certain contraindicated medications that can have serious, even fatal consequences if mixed with ayahuasca. The prime example is that all SSRI and SSRN antidepressants must be discontinued for at least two weeks before the retreat (some for longer).
There are certain mental health conditions that can be exacerbated by ayahuasca and pose serious, potentially dangerous risks to the person consuming the medicine and the people around them. These include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or a strong family history of any of these.
If you are on medication that is contraindicated, we will help you decide if stopping the medication before the retreat is feasible and create a schedule for you to do that safely based on the half life of the drug, your personal circumstances, and any medical advice you receive from your doctor.
- C.G.Jung
"I am not
what happened to me,
I am
what I chose to become."
DETAILS, LOGISTICS & NEXT STEPS
Retreats usually last 7, 9 or 11 days with 3, 4 or 5 ceremonies, respectively. See our Retreats Page for more information on how we run our retreats.
Anyone who comes in through the veterans and first responders program (even family and friends) is entitled to a significant discount off the normal retreat rates. This is part of the program and our effort to support this community. We will have an honest discussion with each participant about their financial situation and decide together what the retreat cost will be.
The other major driver of costs is the flight down. Buying two or three months in advance can save a significant amount of money. We recommend shopping for a round trip to and from Lima, Peru and then purchasing a round trip from Lima to Tarapoto separately to find the best prices and layover options.
Every participant will be asked to fill out an intake form and honestly discuss any physical or mental health conditions they may have and disclose any and all medication they have taken in the last two years.
To be accepted into the program, we will ask you to commit to certain pre and post retreat guidelines regarding food, substances, exercise, and digital media, and to work with our team to get you ready for your retreat and ready for your reintegration afterwards.
If you think you may be interested or would like more information, the first step is easy. Send us a message through our contact portal below or at hello@amakaya.org. We will set up a short face to face call to discuss what may be next.
For more in-depth information on ayahuasca, ceremonies, retreats, and Shipibos, see our Informational Video Series.
