Mike Zapolin, a bald, wise-looking man with a white beard and dark sunglasses, is sharing with me an intriguing story about a group of Silicon Valley tech executives who decided to break away from their usual team-building exercises for their latest corporate retreat. Instead, they embarked on a three-hour “ket-itation” session, which combined ketamine and meditation. Led by a doctor, they took lozenges infused with the dissociative drug and experienced individual trips while listening to calming, spa-like music. After the retreat, Zapolin tells me that the team reported improved collaboration, increased empathy, and a boost in creativity.
Zapolin, also known as Zappy, played a crucial role in organizing this unique retreat. Despite being labeled as a “psychedelic concierge,” Zapolin clarifies that he is not a glorified drug dealer. Instead, he compares himself to a hotel concierge who provides advice and uses his extensive network to connect clients with doctors and experts based on best practices and protocols.
As interest in the benefits of mind-altering drugs grows among the business world and the super-rich, a new industry of psychedelic concierges has emerged. Zapolin claims that this career can be highly lucrative. These concierges help individuals in finding the right ketamine clinics where they receive treatments from medical professionals. For those who prefer a more nature-oriented experience, concierges have connections to scenic retreats with trained shamans or guides who administer the drugs.
Zapolin, an investment banker who made significant fortunes from buying and reselling highly sought-after domain names, positions himself as a concierge to the stars. His services come with high fees, ranging from $10,000 to six figures for ultra-rich clients and celebrities, including Fortune 500 executives, former Bachelor contestants, and royalty. He mentions receiving inquiries from Middle Eastern royalty and anticipates a call from a former British prince who recently wrote about his experience tripping on mushrooms.
While Zapolin’s fees may seem substantial, he also offers pro bono services and complimentary services to influencers who agree to promote his work to their large following. Zapolin believes that helping someone mentally or saving someone struggling with addiction can turn them into strong advocates and salespeople.
One of Zapolin’s clients is the famous former stockbroker and financial criminal Jordan Belfort, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. Despite his reputation for lavish parties and intense drug use, Belfort sought Zapolin’s guidance to explore psychedelics. Belfort initially held negative preconceptions about such substances, but after conducting his research, he decided to give it a try. Belfort worked with Zapolin, undergoing ketamine sessions that helped him with his opioid blocker dependence. Although he acknowledges the challenging inner work involved, Belfort finds value in the experiences, expressing gratitude towards his family during his trips.
Zapolin later recommended ibogaine as a treatment for Belfort’s opioid dependence. Nervous at first, Belfort agreed to travel to a clinic in Cancún where he experienced the effects of ibogaine. The treatment successfully eliminated Belfort’s need for opioids, and he has not taken any since.
After each trip, concierges arrange therapy appointments to help clients integrate and process their experiences. Kaia Roman, another concierge who collaborates with Zapolin, emphasizes that this inner work is a crucial part of the overall process.
Researchers have discovered that psychedelic drugs like LSD, ibogaine, and MDMA can reopen “critical periods” in the brain that influence brain development. Therefore, individuals seeking these experiences want to ensure they are guided safely and responsibly. Nicholas Levich, a concierge and co-founder of Psychedelic Passages, emphasizes the importance of providing trusted guides and tripsitters. Levich ensures that the individuals he endorses meet rigorous requirements, including substantial experience in facilitating healing ceremonies, gathering letters of recommendation, and references from clients.
It is worth noting that not all concierges believe formal medical credentials are necessary to be a good guide. Psychedelic Passages, for example, does not require professional licensing but focuses on facilitators with at least two years of professional service experience and a significant number of healing ceremonies led. However, unregulated consultations and services exist as well, where individuals without formal qualifications offer advice and assistance.
Amy Lynn McGuire, a bioethicist and director of Baylor University’s program on the ethical and legal implications of psychedelics in society, stresses the need for transparency and ensuring no conflicts of interest exist in the recommendations made by concierges. Although determining the exact credentials necessary for this role is challenging, McGuire believes that being an honest broker who educates individuals about available options can be valuable.
In conclusion, the rise of psychedelic concierges reflects the growing interest in mind-altering drugs among the business world and the wealthy. These concierges connect individuals with clinics, retreats, and guides to provide safe and transformative experiences. While the industry offers potential for profit, it also has the capacity to make a positive impact by helping individuals overcome mental challenges and addiction.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
