Preparing Your Mind & Body: Alcohol, Cannabis, Caffeine, Supplements & Medications Before a Psychedelic Journey
Preparing for a psychedelic journey isn't just about what happens on medicine day.
For many people, preparation begins several days beforehand.
As the journey approaches, clients often become curious about how substances, supplements, medications, and daily habits may influence their experience.
At WildGlow Alchemy, we encourage preparation practices that help people arrive feeling clear, grounded, and connected to themselves.
Not because there is a perfect formula.
But because reducing unnecessary noise can create more space to listen.
Why Some People Choose to Abstain Before a Journey
Many clients choose to reduce or avoid alcohol, cannabis, and other non-essential substances in the days leading up to their journey.
A common recommendation is anywhere from three days to one week of abstinence when possible.
This is not a requirement.
Nor is it a measure of how "serious" or "spiritual" someone is.
Instead, many people find that temporarily reducing these substances helps them become more aware of their baseline emotional, mental, and physical state.
In some traditions, this period of preparation is viewed as a way of creating openness—a gentle clearing of space before entering into deeper work.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most common substances we encourage clients to pause before a journey.
Alcohol can impact:
Sleep quality
Hydration
Mood regulation
Emotional processing
Physical energy levels
Even small amounts may affect how rested and grounded you feel on the day of your session.
Many clients notice that reducing alcohol for several days beforehand helps them arrive feeling clearer and more present.
Cannabis
Cannabis is more nuanced.
Some individuals use cannabis occasionally for relaxation.
Others use it regularly for sleep, pain management, anxiety, or other reasons.
While cannabis is not inherently incompatible with psychedelic work, many people find value in reducing or pausing use for several days beforehand when possible.
Doing so can help create a clearer sense of what is arising internally without additional influences.
For some people, this period of abstinence can itself become informative.
What emotions arise?
What sensations become more noticeable?
What habits become visible?
These observations can become part of the preparation process.
Caffeine
People are often surprised when caffeine comes up during preparation conversations.
We generally do not require clients to stop drinking coffee.
For many people, suddenly eliminating caffeine can create headaches, fatigue, irritability, and unnecessary discomfort.
That said, we do encourage mindful use.
Ask yourself:
Does caffeine help me feel grounded?
Or does it increase anxiety and nervous system activation?
Am I drinking coffee because it feels supportive or simply out of habit?
For some people, reducing caffeine in the days leading up to a journey feels beneficial.
For others, maintaining their normal routine is the better choice.
Herbal Supplements & Natural Remedies
Many people wonder about herbal supplements before a journey.
Some herbs and supplements may interact with medications or psychedelic substances.
For that reason, we encourage clients to discuss all supplements with their facilitator during preparation.
This includes commonly used products such as:
St. John's Wort
5-HTP
SAM-e
Kava
Valerian
Ashwagandha
Adaptogenic blends
Mood-support supplements
Natural does not always mean risk-free.
When in doubt, ask.
Prescription Medications
Medication decisions should never be made casually.
We do not recommend that clients stop prescription medications on their own.
Any changes to prescribed medications should be discussed with the prescribing provider and your facilitator well in advance of your journey.
This includes medications such as:
Antidepressants
Anti-anxiety medications
ADHD medications
Mood stabilizers
Sleep medications
Antipsychotic medications
Every person is different.
Every medication profile is different.
Preparation should always be individualized.
What About ADHD Medications?
Many clients ask about medications such as Adderall and other stimulant medications.
The answer depends on the individual, the medication, the dosage, and the treatment plan developed with their facilitator and prescribing provider.
Some clients continue prescribed medications.
Others may receive different recommendations.
There is no universal answer.
What About Klonopin and Other Benzodiazepines?
Medications such as clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), and other benzodiazepines deserve special attention because they can influence psychedelic experiences.
Clients should never discontinue these medications abruptly or without medical guidance.
If you are prescribed a benzodiazepine, please discuss it with your facilitator well before your session so an individualized plan can be created.
Sleep Matters More Than Perfection
One thing we often remind clients is this:
A good night's sleep is usually more important than having a perfect preparation protocol.
If you occasionally use sleep supports, discuss them with your facilitator.
The goal is not to create unnecessary suffering in the name of preparation.
The goal is to arrive rested and resourced.
Preparation as an Act of Intention
Ultimately, we view preparation less as a list of rules and more as an opportunity.
An opportunity to slow down.
To become curious.
To listen.
To notice what happens when you create a little more space.
Whether you choose to abstain from alcohol and cannabis for three days, a week, or not at all, the invitation remains the same:
Approach yourself with honesty.
Approach yourself with compassion.
Approach yourself with curiosity.
The medicine is only one part of the process.
Preparation is where the journey begins.
Have Questions About Your Specific Situation?
Every body is different.
The information in this article is intended to provide general education and should not be considered medical advice.
If you have questions about medications, supplements, medical conditions, mental health diagnoses, or substance use, we encourage you to discuss them with your facilitator well before your journey.
We are happy to help you think through your preparation plan and determine what recommendations may be appropriate for your unique circumstances.
When needed, we may also encourage consultation with your prescribing provider or other healthcare professionals to ensure you can prepare safely and confidently.
