Red Flags - What to Watch Out For

Why This Matters

Experienced practitioners have seen both beautiful healing spaces and dangerous situations. This page shares the red flags that every seeker should know before their first ceremony.

If you see these signs, trust your gut. Leave. Your safety is more important than being polite.

Major Red Flags: Leave Immediately

🚨 Sexual Misconduct or Boundary Violations

• Facilitator touches you inappropriately during ceremony
• Sexual comments about your body, appearance, or “energy”
• Claims that sexual activity is part of healing or ceremony
• Discourages you from bringing a buddy or support person
• Private “healing sessions” in isolated locations

Truth: Legitimate facilitators maintain strict boundaries. Sexual contact is NEVER part of authentic ayahuasca ceremony.

🚨 Medical Negligence

• No medical screening before serving medicine
• Doesn’t ask about medications (especially SSRIs, MAOIs, other antidepressants)
• No emergency plan or first aid training
• Serves medicine to people with contraindications (heart conditions, psychosis history, pregnancy)
• Refuses to call emergency services if someone is in medical distress

Truth: Ayahuasca has serious drug interactions. Responsible facilitators screen thoroughly and have emergency protocols.

🚨 Psychological Manipulation

• Claims to be “chosen” or have special powers
• Demands absolute obedience or discourages questions
• Isolates you from friends/family
• Says you “need more ceremonies” to heal (creating dependency)
• Shames you for having a difficult experience
• Claims they can “fix” you or cure serious mental illness

Truth: Ayahuasca is a tool, not magic. No facilitator has special powers. You are the expert on your own healing.

🚨 Financial Exploitation

• Pressure to pay upfront for multiple ceremonies
• Prices that seem too good to be true (safety costs money)
• Additional “mandatory donations” beyond the stated price
• Sells “special” items as necessary for healing
• Claims you need private sessions at premium prices

Truth: Legitimate ceremonies have transparent pricing. While not everyone can afford high costs, extremely cheap ceremonies often cut safety corners.

Warning Signs: Proceed with Caution

⚠️ Lack of Preparation

• No pre-ceremony orientation or preparation guidance
• Doesn’t explain dieta (dietary restrictions) or why they matter
• No opportunity to ask questions beforehand
• Unclear about dosing practices

⚠️ Poor Ceremony Environment

• Cramped, dirty, or unsafe physical space
• No clear bathroom access during ceremony
• Extremely large groups (harder to provide individual support)
• Loud music or excessive stimulation
• No privacy (shared buckets, lack of dignity)

⚠️ Aftercare Gaps

• No integration support offered
• Kicks you out immediately after ceremony ends
• No follow-up or check-in
• Discourages professional therapy

⚠️ Cultural Appropriation Red Flags

• Uses indigenous language/songs but shows no respect for the culture
• Claims to be teaching “ancient wisdom” learned in a weekend workshop
• Mixes traditions carelessly (trying to be “all things to all people”)
• No connection to legitimate lineage or training

Note: Cultural appropriation is complex. This isn’t about gatekeeping, but about respecting traditions and being honest about training.

Green Flags: Good Signs

For balance, here’s what responsible facilitation looks like:

✅ Thorough medical screening and clear contraindication list
✅ Professional boundaries maintained at all times
✅ Transparent pricing and clear policies
✅ Clean, safe, comfortable environment
✅ Emergency protocols in place
✅ Integration support offered or recommended
✅ Encourages you to maintain therapy and support systems
✅ Reasonable group sizes (usually 10-20 people max)
✅ Experienced, trained facilitators with clear lineage
✅ Respectful of your autonomy - you can say no
✅ Acknowledges risks honestly rather than making promises

What To Do If You See Red Flags

1. Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
2. You can leave. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
3. Tell someone. Warn others if you’re comfortable doing so.
4. Report serious violations to local authorities if appropriate.
5. Seek support. Talk to a therapist or trusted friend about the experience.

Your Rights in Ceremony

You always have the right to:

• Ask questions beforehand
• See the space before committing
• Bring a trusted friend or support person
• Say no to additional medicine
• Leave ceremony early if needed
• Maintain your privacy and dignity
• Seek emergency medical care if needed

If Something Bad Has Happened to You

If you’ve experienced abuse, assault, or harm in ceremony:

• It is not your fault. Period.
• You deserve support. See our crisis resources page.
• Consider reporting to local authorities if you’re comfortable.
• Talk to a trauma-informed therapist who understands psychedelic experiences.
• You are not alone. Many people have experienced harm, and healing is possible.

Resources

• Crisis Resources - Immediate support
• First-Timer’s Guide - How to prepare safely
• Fireside Project - Psychedelic peer support line
• MAPS Integration - Find integration support

Remember: The medicine is powerful. The people serving it are just people. Trust your instincts, prioritize your safety, and know that you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.