Stage Three-Refusal of the Call: Fear and Resistance in Psychedelic Exploration

In the Hero’s Journey, the Refusal of the Call is a pivotal stage, where the hero, faced with the opportunity for transformation, hesitates or even outright refuses to embark on the journey. This moment is marked by fear, doubt, and the pull of the familiar. For individuals in traditional 12-step recovery programs, the Refusal of the Call often surfaces when they first consider the possibility of exploring psychedelics as part of their healing journey.

Despite the growing curiosity about psychedelics and their potential for deeper healing, many in recovery face significant internal and external resistance to this idea. The principles of abstinence, fear of relapse, and the perceived dangers of mind-altering substances can create overwhelming doubt and fear, causing individuals to hesitate before stepping into the unknown.

In this article, we delve into the stage of Refusal of the Call for those in recovery who are curious about psychedelics. We explore the reasons for resistance, the fear of relapse, and the powerful hold of traditional recovery frameworks that make it difficult to embrace new possibilities.

The Nature of Resistance: Fear of the Unknown

At the heart of the Refusal of the Call lies a fundamental fear of the unknown. For someone in a traditional 12-step recovery program, this unknown is represented by psychedelics—substances that have been historically stigmatized as dangerous, addictive, and antithetical to the principles of sobriety. The thought of engaging with psychedelics, even in a therapeutic setting, can feel like stepping back into risky territory.

This fear is not unfounded. Many in recovery have lived through the devastating consequences of addiction and substance abuse. The idea of deliberately ingesting a mind-altering substance can trigger memories of past harm, loss of control, or destructive behaviors. Even if psychedelics are being used in a controlled environment with therapeutic intention, the association with substance use can cause individuals to pull back, fearing that they are risking their hard-earned sobriety.

This is the essence of the Refusal of the Call: the hero is presented with an opportunity for transformation, but the path forward feels fraught with danger, uncertainty, and personal risk. The familiar world of recovery, with its structured meetings, clear guidelines, and supportive community, feels safe in comparison. The unknown realm of psychedelics feels like a leap into the dark.

The Fear of Relapse: Threatening the Foundations of Sobriety

For many in recovery, the fear of relapse is a significant factor in the Refusal of the Call. Traditional 12-step programs emphasize abstinence from all mind-altering substances, including alcohol and drugs, as the foundation of sobriety. This principle is central to the recovery process, and it has helped millions of people maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives.

The introduction of psychedelics into this framework feels like a direct challenge to the core tenet of abstinence. Many people worry that by using psychedelics, they are breaking their commitment to sobriety, or worse, opening the door to addictive behaviors. The fear of relapse is often overwhelming, particularly for individuals who have struggled for years to gain control over their addiction. The idea that they could lose everything they’ve worked for by experimenting with a substance, even in a therapeutic setting, can be paralyzing.

In this stage of Refusal of the Call, the person in recovery might ask themselves:

• Will using psychedelics put my sobriety at risk?
• Am I betraying the principles that have kept me sober?
• How can I know that I won’t fall back into destructive behaviors?

These questions create a powerful internal conflict. On the one hand, there is a growing desire to explore psychedelics as a potential tool for healing. On the other hand, the fear of relapse and the perceived danger of mind-altering substances often cause individuals to reject this path, at least initially.

The Hold of Traditional Recovery: Loyalty and Belief Systems

Another significant aspect of the Refusal of the Call is the deep loyalty many people feel to their recovery program. Traditional 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, provide a strong sense of community, support, and belonging. Individuals in recovery often build their lives around the principles and teachings of these programs, attending meetings regularly, working with sponsors, and following the Twelve Steps as a guide for living.

In this context, the idea of engaging with psychedelics can feel like a betrayal of the very system that helped them find stability and healing. Traditional recovery programs emphasize total abstinence from mind-altering substances, and for many people, this abstinence is sacred. The thought of violating this principle can create intense feelings of guilt, shame, and confusion.

This internal conflict is often compounded by external pressures. Many individuals in recovery worry about how they will be perceived by their peers, sponsors, or recovery community if they choose to explore psychedelics. The fear of judgment, rejection, or losing the support of their community can be a powerful deterrent. In this way, the Refusal of the Call is not just about personal fear; it’s also about the social and cultural pressures within the recovery community that make it difficult to step outside the established framework.

Doubt and Uncertainty: Questioning the Path Forward

Doubt is a defining feature of the Refusal of the Call. Even as the individual feels a pull toward psychedelics, they may doubt whether this path is right for them. This doubt can manifest in several ways:

• Questioning the science: Some people in recovery may be skeptical of the research on psychedelics, wondering if the reported benefits are real or exaggerated. They may question whether psychedelics can truly help them heal or if it’s just another fad.
• Fear of the experience: Psychedelics can produce intense, overwhelming experiences. The fear of losing control, facing difficult emotions, or having a “bad trip” can cause individuals to hesitate.
• Conflicting information: Many people in recovery receive conflicting messages about psychedelics. While some advocate for their healing potential, others warn of their dangers. This conflicting information can create confusion and uncertainty, leading to a refusal to move forward.

These doubts often arise from a desire for certainty. People in recovery are accustomed to a structured, predictable framework, where the steps to healing are clear and the risks are minimized. Psychedelics, by contrast, represent a leap into the unknown. The journey is unpredictable, and the outcomes are uncertain. This lack of clarity can cause individuals to resist the call, preferring the safety of the known over the uncertainty of the new.

Refusing the Call as a Necessary Stage

It’s important to recognize that the Refusal of the Call is not a failure; it is a natural and necessary stage in the Hero’s Journey. In many ways, this refusal is a form of protection. The individual is not yet ready to embark on the journey, and the hesitation provides time to process fears, gather information, and build internal resources. The refusal often allows the person to engage in deeper reflection, considering what is truly at stake and whether they are prepared to face the challenges ahead.

For some, the Refusal of the Call may be temporary. They may eventually overcome their fears, gather the courage to explore psychedelics, and move forward with the journey. For others, the refusal may be permanent. They may decide that psychedelics are not the right path for them, and that traditional recovery provides the support and healing they need.

A Stage of Reflection and Fear

The Refusal of the Call is a critical stage in the journey of someone in recovery who is curious about psychedelics. It is marked by fear, doubt, and a strong pull toward the familiar. The fear of relapse, the loyalty to traditional recovery programs, and the uncertainty of stepping into the unknown create significant resistance to exploring psychedelics.

However, this stage is not without value. It allows individuals to reflect on their fears, consider the risks and rewards, and make informed decisions about their healing journey. Whether they ultimately choose to move forward or remain in the safety of their traditional recovery program, the Refusal of the Call provides an important opportunity for introspection and growth. For those who do eventually answer the call, overcoming this stage represents a powerful moment of courage and readiness to embark on the transformative journey ahead.