First-Timer's Safety Guide

Before You Decide

This guide isn’t here to convince you to drink ayahuasca or scare you away. It’s here to share what many wish they’d known before their first ceremony.

Ayahuasca is not for everyone. And that’s okay.

Is Ayahuasca Right for You?

Consider Saying No If:

• You have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia (personal or family)
• You’re taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or other medications that interact dangerously with ayahuasca
• You have serious heart conditions or uncontrolled hypertension
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• You’re using it to avoid professional mental health treatment
• You feel pressured by others to do it
• You’re looking for a magic fix to serious problems
• You’re not ready to face difficult emotions or experiences

There is no shame in saying no. Ayahuasca will wait. Your life won’t.

You Might Benefit If:

• You’re seeking deeper self-understanding
• You’re willing to do integration work after ceremony
• You have support systems in place
• You’re medically cleared (consult a doctor)
• You’ve done your research and feel called (not pressured)
• You’re ready to face discomfort for potential growth

Medical Safety: Non-Negotiable

Stop These Medications First

Consult your doctor before stopping any medication. Serious drug interactions can be fatal.

Dangerous Interactions:

• SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, etc.) - Stop 4-6 weeks before ceremony
• MAOIs (Nardil, Parnate, etc.) - Extremely dangerous, consult psychiatrist
• SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta, etc.) - Stop 4-6 weeks before
• Lithium - Dangerous interaction
• Tramadol and other opioids - Can cause serotonin syndrome
• DXM (cough medicine) - Avoid for 2 weeks before
• MDMA, cocaine, amphetamines - Avoid for at least 2 weeks

Tell Your Facilitator About:

• All medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
• All supplements (especially St. John’s Wort, 5-HTP)
• Heart conditions or high blood pressure
• Seizure history
• Mental health diagnoses
• Past psychedelic experiences (good or bad)

If a facilitator doesn’t ask these questions, that’s a red flag. Leave.

Choosing a Safe Facilitator

See our Red Flags Guide for detailed warning signs.

Green Flags to Look For:

✅ Thorough medical screening before accepting you
✅ Clear contraindication list publicly stated
✅ Emergency protocols and first aid training
✅ Professional boundaries (no sexual contact, ever)
✅ Reasonable group size (usually 10-20 max)
✅ Clean, safe, comfortable environment
✅ Transparent pricing and policies
✅ Integration support offered or recommended
✅ References or testimonials from past participants
✅ Honest about their training and lineage

Questions to Ask Before Committing:

1. What is your training and how long have you been facilitating?
2. What is your medical screening process?
3. What medications are contraindicated?
4. What is your emergency protocol?
5. What is included in the price?
6. What is the group size?
7. Can I visit the space beforehand?
8. What integration support do you offer?
9. Can I bring a trusted friend or support person?
10. What happens if I need to leave early?

If they get defensive about questions, that’s a red flag.

Preparing for Your First Ceremony

Physical Preparation (The Dieta)

Traditional dieta varies by tradition. Common recommendations:

1-2 Weeks Before:

• Avoid alcohol
• Reduce or eliminate caffeine
• Avoid red meat and pork
• No sexual activity (some traditions)
• Reduce processed foods, sugar, salt
• Eat simple, clean foods

Why it matters: The dieta helps your body process the medicine and can reduce nausea.

Reality check: Perfection isn’t required. Do your best, understanding that 100% compliance isn’t essential.

Mental/Emotional Preparation

• Set an intention (but hold it lightly - the medicine has its own plans)
• Journal about what you’re hoping to learn or heal
• Talk to your therapist if you have one
• Reduce stimulation (social media, news, intense media)
• Practice meditation if that’s your thing
• Get enough sleep in the week leading up

Practical Preparation

Bring:

• Comfortable, loose clothing (you might purge, dress for mess)
• Water bottle
• Layers (you might get hot or cold)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Journal and pen (for afterward)
• Any comfort items (shawl, crystals, whatever helps you feel safe)
• Toiletries for overnight stay

Don’t bring:

• Valuables you can’t afford to lose
• Strong scents (perfume, cologne, essential oils)
• Phone (or keep it off/silent)
• Expectations of what “should” happen

During Ceremony: What to Expect

The Basics

• Ceremony usually starts evening (medicine works better in darkness)
• Lasts 4-6 hours (but feels timeless)
• You’ll likely purge (vomit, sometimes diarrhea) - this is normal
• Visions may or may not come - both are valid experiences
• Time becomes strange - minutes can feel like hours
• You might cry, laugh, shake, sing - all normal
• Facilitator is there for support - ask for help if you need it

How to Navigate the Experience

1. Surrender. Fighting the medicine makes it harder.
2. Breathe. When it gets intense, return to breath.
3. Trust the process. Even difficult moments can be healing.
4. Ask for help. Facilitators are there to support you.
5. Remember: It will end. No matter how intense, it’s temporary.

If It Gets Really Difficult

• Call for the facilitator - they can sit with you
• Focus on your breath - in and out, one breath at a time
• Remember you’re safe - the medicine won’t harm you (if you’ve screened properly)
• Let yourself purge - don’t fight it, it often brings relief
• Remember this will pass - usually within a few hours

You always have the right to say no to more medicine.

After Ceremony: The First 24-48 Hours

Immediate Aftercare

• Rest. You’ll be exhausted.
• Hydrate. Gently reintroduce water and light foods.
• Journal. Write down what you remember before it fades.
• Be gentle with yourself. Your nervous system has been through a lot.
• Avoid big decisions. You’re in a vulnerable state.

Common After-Effects

• Fatigue (sometimes for days)
• Emotional sensitivity
• Continued insights or revelations
• Clarity alternating with confusion
• Feeling “raw” or open
• Changes in appetite or sleep

All normal. Be patient with yourself.

Integration: The Real Work Begins

The ceremony is maybe 10% of the healing. Integration is the other 90%.

What integration looks like:

• Therapy with someone who understands psychedelic work
• Daily practices to embody insights (meditation, journaling, etc.)
• Community - integration circles or support groups
• Time - real change happens slowly
• Consistency - small daily actions over months

See our Integration Resources for detailed guidance.

Red Flags After Ceremony

Seek professional help if you experience:

• Persistent psychosis (lasting more than a few days)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Inability to function in daily life
• Severe depression or anxiety that doesn’t improve
• Flashbacks that interfere with your life

See our Crisis Resources page for immediate support.

Final Thoughts

Ayahuasca is powerful. Respect it.

It’s not a party drug. It’s not a shortcut. It’s not a cure-all.

But for some people, at the right time, with proper preparation and support, it can be deeply healing.

You deserve to be safe. Check facilitators thoroughly, trust your gut, and know that you can always say no or leave.

You deserve support. Don’t try to integrate alone. Get professional help, find community, and be patient with yourself.

You are worthy of healing. Whether ayahuasca is part of that journey or not.

Quick Safety Checklist

Before your first ceremony, verify:

• [ ] Medically cleared (no dangerous drug interactions)
• [ ] Facilitator thoroughly screened you
• [ ] You’ve checked references/reviews
• [ ] You know the emergency protocol
• [ ] You’ve seen the space (or photos)
• [ ] Pricing is transparent and reasonable
• [ ] You have integration support lined up
• [ ] Someone knows where you’ll be
• [ ] You feel safe (not just excited, but actually safe)
• [ ] You can say no if anything feels wrong

If you can’t check all these boxes, wait. Ayahuasca will still be there when you find the right container.

Resources

• Red Flags Guide - Warning signs to watch for
• Crisis Resources - Get immediate help
• Preparation Guide - Detailed prep instructions
• Fireside Project - Psychedelic peer support

Be safe. Be patient. Be honest with yourself.

You’ve got this. And if you don’t, that’s okay too.