Bad experiences with Bufo or 5 MeoDMT are rare and most people do well after their experience with the Bufo. It is important to understand that for some the process can be challenging. There are several reasons for this.
- Set and setting: The environment and mindset of the individual play a crucial role in shaping the experience. Unfamiliar or uncomfortable surroundings, as well as pre-existing anxiety or fear, can increase the likelihood of bad experiences with Bufo.
At Shangriballa we focus on addressing these issues with a comfortable and safe environment. During our screening, we will talk about all your anxieties, fears, expectations and intentions. We will guide you on how to prepare and if it is the right time for Bufo. - Individual differences: People react differently to substances. Some may be more sensitive to the effects of Bufo, while others may have underlying mental health conditions. These might make them more vulnerable to adverse reactions. During our screening, we will be assessing your mental health and have an open discussion about risks. We will discuss your family history of mental health conditions and possible risks to you. This will help you to avoid the possibility of bad experiences with Bufo.
- Dosage and purity: The potency of Bufo can vary, and taking too high a dose can lead to overwhelming experiences. Additionally, if the substance is not pure, it may contain contaminants that can cause unexpected effects. At Shangriballa we work with pure 5 MeO DMT, a synthetic version of Bufo. It is a cleaner option with better dose control. We serve bufo over three doses (One Dose Per Day). Your first dose is low, this will give us a good indication of how sensitive you are to the substance. We will then work out a good medium dose for your next session. In the third session, we might go up or down with the dose. There is no one dose fits all approach, we will work with you to discuss what is a comfortable and safe dose. This approach avoids overdosing and bad experiences with Bufo.
- Lack of preparation: It’s important to be well-informed about Bufo and its potential effects before using it. Understanding the risks and having a clear intention for the experience can help to minimize the chances of a negative outcome. We are happy to answer any questions you might have but it is very important that you do your research also. The more you know about Bufo the better prepared you are to make an informed decision about taking it and avoid bad experiences with Bufo
- Integration: The process of integrating the experience after the session is crucial. Without proper support and guidance, individuals may struggle to make sense of their experience, leading to confusion or distress. We all integrate differently, some simply continue their lives with a newfound presence and connection to themselves and others might find the process more challenging. We offer continued support and online integration sessions with good connections to other therapists if needed.
- Reactivations: In the context of bufo, “reactivations” refer to the spontaneous recurrence of experiences or sensations that were originally felt during a bufo experience. This can even happen when the person is not currently using the substance.
Most people might experience some reactivations during the few days at the retreat that ends shortly after. For some, there can be a prolonged period of reactivation. This is not always seen as a bad experiences with Bufo but rather part of the process.
Here’s a breakdown of what reactivations can involve:
Intensity and Speed of the Experience: Bufo/5-MeO-DMT is known for producing extremely intense and rapid-onset experiences. This can lead to a powerful imprint on the mind, potentially contributing to the recurrence of strong sensations or emotions.
Short Duration: The effects of Bufo are relatively short-lived compared to other psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin. This rapid shift in consciousness might, in some cases, make the experience feel more “unfinished” or lead to a stronger need for the mind to revisit and process it, potentially through reactivations.
Unique Phenomenology: The specific qualities of the Bufo experience, which often include feelings of ego dissolution, oneness with the universe, and intense emotional release, might create a distinct kind of “memory trace” that is more prone to reactivation.
What does a reactivation feel like?
Most reported reactivations from 5 MeO DMT / Bufo happen at night. This is usually during the deepest part of sleep between 3 and 5 am, however, this can occur just before falling asleep or at any time of the night, also known as night school.
Sensory Reactivations: You wake up feeling that you are going back into the experience,. This is different depending on how you reacted during your ceremony. Some feel like they dissolve, become nothing or experience the feeling of the onset of the experience.
Emotional Reactivations: A person might suddenly re-experience intense emotions, such as euphoria, fear, or sadness, that they felt during or after bufo.
Cognitive Reactivations: These can involve the return of specific thought patterns, insights, or feelings of depersonalization or derealization that occurred during the trip.
Important Considerations:
At-Risk Group: there are groups of people who are considered to be at higher risk for adverse experiences with Bufo/5-MeO-DMT. It’s crucial to be aware of these risk factors and proceed with extreme caution, or avoid Bufo altogether if you fall into one of these categories:
Individuals with a History of Mental Health Conditions:
Psychosis or Schizophrenia: People with a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia are at significantly increased risk of experiencing a psychotic break. It can cause an exacerbation of their condition after using Bufo. We will do a full screening with you to assess your risk.
Bipolar Disorder: Individuals with bipolar disorder may be more susceptible to manic or depressive episodes.
Severe Anxiety or Panic Disorders: Those with severe anxiety or panic disorders may find the intense fear and potential loss of control potentially traumatizing. - Individuals with a History of Trauma:
Trauma and Psychedelics: People with a history of trauma, especially unresolved trauma, may find the intense emotions and potential regression experienced during a Bufo. - Individuals Using Certain Medications:
MAOIs: Bufo should not be used in combination with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). This can lead to a dangerous increase in serotonin levels. (Serotonin Syndrome)
Other Medications: It’s essential to discuss all medications you are taking with your facilitator or healthcare provider before considering Bufo.
See our Full Bufo Safety Guide Here.
Variability: Reactivations can vary greatly in intensity and duration. Some might be brief and mild, while others can be more intense and last for longer periods.
Triggers: Sometimes, reactivations can be made worse by fatigue, or the use of other substances like alcohol, or psychedelics. However, they can also occur seemingly out of the blue. We recommend that all participants take great caution when using other substances. Especially after bufo as it can increase the effects of these substances and create unwanted reactivations.
HPPD: In rare cases, persistent and distressing reactivations can be a sign of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). This is a relatively rare condition where perceptual disturbances continue long after the use of psychedelics.
Integration: Many experts believe that reactivations can be a part of the integration process, as the mind continues to process and make sense of the psychedelic experience.
If you experience reactivations that are distressing or interfere with your daily life, it’s essential to seek guidance from a mental health professional.
While some reactivations might be unsettling, others can be neutral or even positive, offering further insights or reminders of the original experience and are not seen as bad experiences with bufo.
Ultimately, while the intensity and unique nature of the Bufo experience might contribute to the discussion of reactivations, it’s crucial to avoid generalizations and recognize that this phenomenon can occur with various psychedelic substances.
