Why I volunteer with the Australian Psychedelic Society
Pictured left to right at our stall is our Secretary, Simon Beck, President Antanika Hoberg and one of our longest-standing committee members Martin Deering at 2022 EGA Garden States.
Why I volunteer with the Australian Psychedelic Society
I'm excited to share a little of my journey into the world of how I found psychedelics and a little about why I volunteer my time to the Australian Psychedelic Society (APS).
Who am I?
I’m Antanika, I’m 38.9, I have two and a half dogs, a bunch of kids, and a mortgage that keeps me on my toes. My adult son says I look like I drive a fancy car and always have the washing done, but I don’t, I drive a Volkswagon beetle and I don’t do the washing.
Outside the psychedelic realm, I cherish life's simple pleasures. Spending time with my family, homeschooling my children, keeping a half-open eye on my adult son, and nurturing and killing my garden are some of my favourite things. I love being a homebody, painting moody art and half-finishing house projects and hobbies in true neurodiverse fashion. When I’m not advocating for psychedelics you can find me loudly advocating for Women’s health and ranting about the lack of research and care. However, these are all stories for another time.
Why Psychedelics?
My relationship with psychedelics has been incredibly transformative, guiding me from being a passionate and vocal almost evangelical advocate to becoming a dedicated supporter of harm reduction, education, and community connection. You can read more about some of my healing experiences here and here.
My connection with psychedelics goes deep; it's a personal journey rooted in my battle with Complex-PTSD and substance use. Psychedelic substances became a significant part of my healing process, complementing therapy and a supportive network. Initially, I believed psychedelics were the answer for everyone, but as I delved deeper, I realized the importance of balance and safety in our explorations.
Why the APS?
Back in 2018, I noticed a gap in my Adelaide community. I felt isolated in my psychedelic experiences, craving connection and understanding that my friendship groups were unable to provide me. Driven by this need, I reached out to the APS, sparking the birth of the Adelaide chapter. This step marked the beginning of a transformative journey that eventually led me to the roles of Vice President in 2021 and, later, President in August 2023.
Over time, I've witnessed the evolution of the APS. It's more than just an organization; it has grown into a robust community nurtured by passionate individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. APS, at its core, has become a bridge, connecting various aspects of psychedelics. From academic discussions about research and clinical trials to advocating harm reduction practices and decriminalisation, to the essential elements of set and setting, the APS unites us.
When I found the APS, I found the others I’d been looking for.
When I first joined APS, I had dual aspirations. Personally, I aimed to become a psychedelic therapist, leading me to embark on several now incomplete psych/neuro and psychotherapy degrees. Yet, professionally, my focus on APS work remained, although I wasn’t entirely sure where it would lead me. One day, I found myself in a daydream about being the President of the APS, not understanding how or why I would reach that point.
Uni essays came and went untouched yet my work with the APS persevered. Dedicated and committed, I spent hours working diligently on psychedelic-related initiatives and APS projects throughout the weeks, months and years, leading me to leave my degrees half touched by my focus. My goal shifted as I realized that my initial desire to become a therapist was rooted in my quest for personal healing, healing I was already experiencing in finding community and understanding. So, I chose to redirect my efforts toward finding paid work for myself in the psychedelic space and continuing my volunteering by collaborating with a dedicated team (the APS), ensuring influential organizations like ours met the community's needs in effective and compassionate ways…. and here I am.
It is only with the unwavering support of past and current APS committees, volunteers, and especially our past President such as Sam Douglas, that my little day dream became a reality.
My involvement with APS as seen me co-found the APS women's group, a fast-growing group engaging in essential conversations about harm reduction, ethics, and community support. My work extends to co-founding organizations such as EPIC, and advising organisations and businesses such as Signs of Life Psychology, Australian Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Practitioners (AMAPP), and Monarch Mental Health Group. I've also shared my insights at Adelaide University for the Adelaide Psychiaty Society, on public panels and appeared on platforms like SBS's Insight episode 'Illicit Medicine'.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering my time so easily was unexpected, especially to my family and friends, “why do you want to work so much for free?”, despite the commentary, I realised I wouldn’t stop and everyone else could see it had turned out to be incredibly rewarding for me on both professional and personal levels.
I've encountered invaluable lessons about the potential of safe communities, storytelling and effective leadership.
The power of community, backed by both personal experiences and extensive research, is immense. Individuals who engage in supportive communities experience reduced stress, improved mental health, and even enhanced physical well-being. Specifically within the context of psychedelic experiences, a sense of community fosters an environment where individuals can openly share their journeys, exchange insights, and find solace in the understanding of others. Community spaces act as a safety net, ensuring that those exploring psychedelics are surrounded by knowledgeable, empathetic individuals who can provide guidance and support, thereby reducing harm.
The significance of storytelling in healing has been continuously highlighted to me. Personal narratives have the power to break down stigma, build empathy, and create a sense of belonging. Sharing our stories of healing and transformation not only empowers us but also inspires others who might be on similar journeys. Storytelling can enhance emotional intelligence, improve mental health, and even boost resilience in the face of challenges. Within the context of psychedelics, my own sharing of my own narrative around my psychedelic use has and can dispel myths and misconceptions, paving the way for informed discussions and then we hope policy changes.
Additionally, being in a leadership position and watching those around me in these positions has taught me that genuine leadership extends far beyond holding a title; it's about service of the community, effective communication and collaborative efforts. Effective leaders are not just decision-makers but facilitators of growth and empowerment. They inspire trust, foster inclusivity, and encourage diverse perspectives, creating an atmosphere where innovation thrives. In the context of psychedelic advocacy, strong leaders can bridge the gap between different stakeholders, such as policymakers, researchers, and the general public. While I have a lot to learn when it comes to leadership, I feel confident in my team and my constant ability to adapt and shift to the changing landscape that is the psychedelic world in Australia.
In upholding the values of the APS, these lessons have become the foundation of my approach. By fostering safe communities that embrace the power of storytelling and effective leadership, we can continue to shape a landscape where everyone feels supported, understood, and empowered in their psychedelic journeys.
The upcoming years will undoubtedly be a significant learning curve, not just for me as a leader in this space but also for professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, support workers, and individuals navigating psychedelics in the mainstream.
Let's keep these big conversations, support one another, and ensure that our psychedelic experiences if chosen, are not only transformative but also safe and respectful.
Thanks for being a part of this community and supporting the APS.
Mush love
-Antanika Hoberg
APS President
