Introduction
For many people, healing isn’t a straight line, it’s a winding road of setbacks, lessons, and hard-won wisdom. For Chris, that road has been filled with personal battles, natural disasters, and a deep search for meaning.
In this candid conversation, Chris opens up about his experience with psychedelic therapy, his integration process, and how he’s navigating life’s challenges.
5-MeO-DMT: A Process Of Letting Go
Jemie: The last time we spoke, I recall you were preparing for a 5-MeO-DMT experience.
Chris: I didn’t make it past the first hit. I just didn’t like the feeling. It was overwhelming.
I just felt like I couldn’t release. Everything in psychedelic work is about surrendering, and I was just too wound up and wasn’t sure if I was fully ready for the experience. I got emotional, but I couldn’t let go.
Jemie: That’s completely normal. Sometimes, we may not be completely ready to receive that medicine. You can always revisit it if it feels right in the future.
Chris: Yeah. I still have the opportunity if I ever decide to do it again.
Coming Back Home
Jemie: So you stopped after that first hit and decided not to continue. And then what happened?
Chris: I came home. But within 12 hours, I was violently sick like knocking on heaven’s door bad. I had to call my buddy, who’s a doctor, and runs a hydration company. It took eight IV bags to get me back up.
I couldn’t keep anything down for days. I just started eating again a couple of days ago. I’ve been trying to work, but it’s been tough.
My strength is low. Walking up stairs is exhausting. But I’m doing what I can.
Recovering Like It’s Brain Surgery
Jemie: Coming out of a psychedelic experience can feel like coming out of brain surgery.
Chris: That makes sense.
Jemie: You have to give yourself real recovery time. A lot of people think, “I’m home, so I have to get back to normal.” But it is important not to rush this process. Your body and brain need time to recover. The experience doesn’t end when the treatment stops. The medicine can keep working well after you get home from treatment.
Chris: That’s what it felt like. It was a massive purge.
Jemie: And now that you’re on the other side of it, how are you feeling?
Chris: Better. Just weak. I’m swimming every day, trying to get my steps in again.
Jemie: That’s great. Are you getting sunlight in the morning and before sunset?
Chris: I try to. I walk early before it gets too hot.
Jemie: Perfect. Sun exposure at sunrise and sunset helps support your circadian rhythm. Even 15-30 minutes outside in the morning and before sunset can help with sleep, mood, and overall recovery.
Learning To Apply Discernment
Jemie: I’m curious… What are you going to do differently this time to prevent yourself from getting back into the same situation that made you pursue treatment?
Chris: That’s a big question. Last time, it was lawyers, insurance companies, trying to fix my house after the hurricane. I took everything on.
Jemie: And what did that do to you?
Chris: It broke me. If it gets to that point again, I walk away. If the house burns down, it burns down. I’m not going to destroy myself trying to fix everything.
Jemie: That’s a huge shift of perspective.
Chris: Yeah, I can’t keep doing this. This is it. I won’t be around the same people. That was my mistake. I had an old friend come help me fix the house, and he was using. That’s on me, I shouldn’t have let him into my space.
Jemie: I’m hearing you say discernment and who you surround yourself with matters.
Chris: Yeah. No more of that. I have my wife, my kids, my motorcycles, my hobbies. That’s all I need.
Eating Clean As Part of Integration
Jemie: Integration can also involve nutrition. After everything your body has been through, you may feel more supported through eating clean, whole foods.
Chris: I’ve been learning how to eat better and staying away from fast food.
Jemie: That’s great. But here’s the reality, most food today is full of harmful ingredients and chemicals that don’t support healing the body.
Chris: Yeah, I know. That’s why everyone’s overweight.
Jemie: I would encourage you to:
- Buy from local farmers whenever possible.
- Avoid processed food. Stick to real, whole ingredients.
- Drink clean water. Tap water is full of PFAs and toxins.
Chris: I didn’t realize how it is all connected, but it makes so much sense.
Jemie: Psychedelics open a window of opportunity to integrate supportive lifestyle tools, bring mindful awareness to everyday choices, and gently release habits and patterns that no longer serve your growth.
Final Thoughts: The Big Takeaway
Jemie: What’s the biggest lesson from this experience for you?
Chris: That I can’t do things the way I used to. Stress will kill me if I let it. After going through this experience, I’m a little wiser now and I need to choose better.
Conclusion
Chris’ experience is a testament to resilience, hard lessons, and the importance of letting go of what we can’t control.
By embracing holistic practices as part of his integration process, he is on his path of healing and recovery. Because at the end of the day, health, peace, and family mattered to him more than any house, job, or stressor ever will.
Disclaimer
To respect the privacy of our clients, names and identifying details have been changed in this article. Any similarities to real individuals are purely coincidental. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as specific health advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical treatments, mental health care, or psychedelic therapy.
If you are interested in exploring psychedelic therapy with a qualified practitioner, you may find one at www.psychable.com.
