What are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens, also commonly referred to as “psychedelics drugs” are a wide category of drugs that can generally alter a person’s perception. This category includes hallucinogens such as LSD, peyote, PCP, and psilocybin. Though the effect of each of these drugs vary, they all can affect the way that a person sees, hears, tastes, smells, or […]
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Stepping Off the Battlefield: A conversation with Jon Macaskill and Suzanne Lesko on overcoming personal and professional traumatic stress with psychedelics
Two years before Jon Macaskill, a former Navy SEAL Commander, decided he was ready to transition out of the military, he started thinking about what would come next—and his plans seemed to change daily. New jobs, new paths, new ideas, and none quite seemed to resonate with him. The military, he says, is designed to […]
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The Betterment of the Well: Finding power in releasing control and discovering purpose with Heather Smolin
Several years ago, colleagues of Heather Smolin, Beckley Retreats alumna and a tenured HR professional, suggested she look into her then-company’s offerings for therapy. She was grateful and curious about the experience, as the employee benefit was an easy way to explore what therapy might look like. “You’ll find I’m just such a curious person,” […]
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Microdosing Placebo: Real or Fake?
The following article, written by Jon Sharp about the microdosing placebo effect, comes from The Beckley Foundation. To see the original text, click here. It’s increasingly clear that we’re in the midst of a Psychedelic Renaissance. The past decade has seen a gamut of incredible new research into psychedelic compounds, much of which has been […]
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Magic Truffles: Effects and Uses
The exploration of psychedelic substances has expanded the horizons of self-reflection and transformative experiences for many. Emerging in continued research, we see the rise of psilocybin truffles. These natural substances have been used for centuries, offering profound insights into the mind and the nature of consciousness. In this article, we delve into the world of […]
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The Women Who Make Beckley Retreats Possible
In honor of Women’s History Month, we want to highlight the invaluable contributions that women have made on the Beckley Retreats team. Without them, our programs would not be here today, and our mission to spark broader, positive change through unlocking new ways of seeing with psychedelics would not be possible. The Beckley Retreats story […]
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Mushrooms vs Traditional SSRIs
As discussion surrounding mental health continues to grow, the dialogue between traditional and alternative approaches to our wellbeing has never been more dynamic. Among the topics at the forefront of this conversation is the comparison between psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. This article […]
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The Evolution and History of Psilocybin Mushrooms
Learn about the history of psilocybin mushrooms, their ancient usage, and their impact on various cultures. This article traces the journey of these magic mushrooms from their early cultural significance through their re-emergence in modern therapeutic contexts. We explore how psilocybin, with deep roots in ritual and ceremony, has evolved to hold new therapeutic potential […]
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What You Need To Know About Psychedelic Retreat Programs And “Bad Trips”
Embarking on a psychedelic journey can be an illuminating experience, offering profound insights, personal growth and life-changing transformation. Psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) is one of the safest and most well-tolerated entheogenic compounds, with relatively few reported side effects when used in appropriate doses. It does not cause physical dependence or the withdrawal […]
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Psychedelics for Anxiety
In recent years, the conversation surrounding mental health has expanded, among which the use of psychedelics to address anxiety has emerged as a particularly intriguing option. With a history rooted in traditional practices and bolstered by contemporary research, psychedelic therapy for anxiety offers a novel pathway for those seeking relief from persistent anxiety symptoms. What […]
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