When the Dose Is More Than You Bargained For

Being Blindsided by a Hero’s Journey

As psilocybin becomes increasingly available in Colorado, I’m hearing more stories that concern me—not because of the medicine itself, but because of how people are encountering it.

The Unexpected Journey

A growing number of individuals are entering what they think will be a mild, recreational experience—only to find themselves thrust into a full-blown "hero’s dose" journey, often without preparation, support, or context. What begins as curiosity or casual exploration can quickly turn into a deeply destabilizing event.

The Confusing Landscape of New Products

And it’s not their fault.

With new psilocybin products entering the market—gummies, chocolates, teas—there’s often little clarity about dosage, let alone guidance on how different doses impact consciousness. A single chocolate square can contain a therapeutic threshold dose or far more.

What No One’s Telling You: Strain Potency Matters

One of the most overlooked factors in these new offerings is strain potency. Different strains of psilocybin mushrooms can vary dramatically in strength, onset, and emotional intensity. One gram of Golden Teacher may feel mild and heart-opening, while one gram of Tidal Wave, Penis Envy, or Albino A+ can feel disorienting, overwhelming, or deeply psychedelic.

Yet these details are rarely included on packaging or in conversations around use.

What Is a Hero’s Dose, Really?

Coined by Terence McKenna, a “heroic dose” is typically considered 5 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms (or more), taken intentionally in a quiet, dark setting. This is not a casual experience—it’s an inward odyssey, often marked by ego dissolution, powerful visions, and encounters with the unknown.

A hero’s journey can bring profound healing and insight, but it is not for the unprepared or unsupported.

Why This Matters for Mental Health and Safety

In my work as a psychedelic-assisted therapist, I’ve supported many individuals through these deeper journeys. I’ve also helped clients integrate difficult or overwhelming experiences after taking a dose they weren’t expecting or ready for—sometimes with lingering anxiety, emotional flooding, or dissociation that lasts long after the medicine wears off.

Psychedelic medicine holds enormous promise, but only when it’s approached with respect, education, and a safe container.

When someone is blindsided by a high-dose experience, they don’t get to make an informed choice. And that undermines the sacredness of this work.

Harm Reduction: How to Journey Safely and Intentionally

Whether you’re exploring psilocybin solo or with a guide, here are a few grounded practices to help reduce risk:

1. Know Your Dose

Don’t assume all edibles are low-dose. Ask how many milligrams or what mushroom strain was used. “One chocolate” means nothing without specifics.

2. Understand the Strain

Potency matters. Some strains are more visual, some are more emotional, and some are downright intense. Always ask before you ingest.

3. Be Honest About Your Intentions

Is this for fun? Healing? Curiosity? Clarity on your “why” helps shape the outcome.

4. Don’t Journey Alone at High Doses

Have a trained sitter or therapist with you, especially with anything over a microdose. Alone is not always safer.

5. Avoid Mixing Substances

Especially alcohol, cannabis, or psychiatric medications. These can alter or intensify the effects, sometimes unpredictably.

6. Prioritize Integration

Give yourself spaciousness after the journey. Take time to process what emerged. Journaling, nature, or integration therapy can help you ground and understand the experience.

To Guides and Facilitators: Your Responsibility Matters

If you are holding space for others, please lead with clarity and informed consent. Talk about strain, dose, and expected effects. Don’t romanticize the hero’s journey. Not everyone is ready to go that deep—and pushing them there can cause more harm than healing.

Hold the threshold with wisdom, not ego. This medicine is sacred, but it’s also potent. Stewardship matters.

Final Thoughts: This Medicine Deserves Respect

Psilocybin is not a party drug. It’s a portal.

When approached with intention, reverence, and care, it can offer insight, healing, and connection that is truly life-altering. But when consumed casually—or unknowingly at high doses—it can feel like being dropped into the deep end without knowing how to swim.

If this happened to you, please know: you’re not alone. And your healing doesn’t end there.

Need Support? Let’s Connect.

If you’ve had a challenging or unexpected journey with psilocybin and need help making sense of it, I offer one-on-one integration support grounded in trauma-informed, soul-centered psychotherapy.

And if you're considering a future journey and want to prepare with clarity, intention, and care—I’d be honored to walk with you.

📩 Book a free consultation or learn more at www.soulspeakpsychotherapy.com
📍 Based in Denver | Offering in-person & virtual integration sessions
🧠 Clinical & spiritual experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy, education, and research

You don’t have to walk this path alone. Healing begins with how we’re held.