What is Ayahuasca? Addiction, Abuse & Treatment

Ayahuasca is a traditional brew from the Amazon derived from the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria Viridis bush. In South American countries, it has been used by native shamans for religious rituals, healing, and contacting spirits. Some Brazilian churches use it for spiritual reasons; in Europe and North America, it’s also taken for healing.

Nowadays, people travel to different countries and use Ayahuasca to enlighten their senses. While reports claim that it benefits a person’s well-being, it still has potential risks that may affect physical and mental health.

What Is Ayahuasca?

Historically, Ayahuasca has been used for a long time by Amazonian people. Shamans use them to communicate with spirits, religious ceremonies, magical experiences, and for healing purposes. After drinking Ayahuasca, the native people experience nausea and vomiting, and they start to see visions. Shamans used these visions to analyze their illnesses and find a cure.

This brew has spread to other countries such as Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru for healing. In the 1930s, Ayahuasca became a part of sacramental ceremonies in synthetic churches in Brazil. In recent times, Ayuhascua has also been used for addiction treatment in group therapy sessions.

The brew’s primary components are the Psychotria Viridis plant, which contains the hallucinogen Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine, which has Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). The MAOI prevents the natural breakdown of DMT in the digestive system. Thus, it makes the DMT more effective and increases serotonin activity in the brain, affecting mood, sleep, and appetite.

Common Street Names of Ayahuasca

The common street names for Ayahuasca include:

• Yage
• La Purga
• The Tea
• Aya
• Hoasca
• Yagé
• 3

These are the names by which Ayahuasca is known when sold and used illicitly.

Effects Of Ayahuasca

Upon 40 minutes after ingestion, Ayahuasca has both immediate physical and psychological effects. 

These are the physical and psychological effects of Ayahuasca:

• Shaking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Fear
• Hallucinations
• Altered perception of time and space
• Heightened emotional experiences

Ayahuasca is also primarily used for spiritual experience and self-contemplation purposes. Users often report a boost of self-confidence. The brew also gives them a fresh outlook on life and death and makes them more open to others. 

Research says that the brew enables users to encounter plant and animal spirits and have contact with a higher power. Users also report that they experience slowing down or speeding up of time and time traveling. They also feel they can contact the spirit world and learn lessons from spiritual teachers.

• Comparison with other hallucinogens.

Ayahuasca is often compared to other hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. While all hallucinogens result in altered perception of reality, the types of visions differ. Ayahuasca is unique due to its spiritual experiences and is mainly used in guided ceremonies.

Ayahuasca Addiction And Dependence

Ayahuasca is not typically considered addictive in the same way as substances like opioids or nicotine. However, some individuals may develop a psychological dependence on it. The main component of Ayahuasca, which is DMT, is a Schedule 1 drug. This means that it is illegal to manufacture or produce this substance. It also has a high potential for addiction.

Physical Dependency vs. Psychological Addiction

Physical dependence is when the body relies on the drug to function normally. Ayahuasca does not usually lead to physical dependence. However, it can cause psychological addiction. This means that the person has a strong desire to use Ayahuasca despite the adverse effects. The individual has intense cravings for the drug to experience its powerful effects.

Reasons for Repeated Use

People are enticed to use Ayahuasca due to its deemed therapeutic effects. The brew’s spiritual and introspective experiences make it alluring for repeated use. Some individuals use it for personal growth and healing from unresolved issues. Some people travel to the Amazon to participate in these rituals involving Ayahuasca. 

Mental Illness and Ayahuasca Addiction

Ayahuasca has the potential to worsen existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The brew may induce intense hallucinogenic effects that can increase mental distress and psychosis.

Reports of people taking the brew vary from negative to positive experiences. Most people become addicted to the psychological effects. They claim to have self-reflection and healing from past trauma or encounter spirits after ingesting Ayahuasca.

Since Ayahuasca can alter a person’s perception of reality, this may lead to risks of inducing new disorders, especially with repeated use. New psychiatric symptoms may emerge related to the unique spiritual and psychological experiences with the brew.

If a person is taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or other medications for mental health, taking Ayahuasca can diminish the effects of these drugs. 

Dangers of Ayahuasca

Using Ayahuasca involves short-term and long-term risks. Here are the risks associated with taking the brew:

Short-term risks:

• Nause and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Panic
• Altered perception of reality

Long-term risks:

• Persistent hallucinations
• Liver damage
• Worsening mental condition
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Out of touch with reality 
• Feeling detached from your own body and thoughts

Potential for overdose and interactions with other substances

While Ayahuasca itself is not typically associated with overdose, there’s a risk of consuming too much, leading to intensified and potentially overwhelming effects. Most people taking Ayahuasca experience intense nausea and vomiting. This can lead to severe complications like dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Legal implications and risks associated with unregulated use

In the United States, Ayahuasca is categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal to possess, distribute, or consume it for any purpose, including religious or ceremonial use. However, some religious organizations have gained exemptions that allow them to utilize ayahuasca for sacramental reasons in certain circumstances. 

These exclusions are uncommon and usually granted on a case-by-case basis. Despite these exclusions, ayahuasca’s legal position remains complex and open to interpretation by law police and judges. Furthermore, the use of ayahuasca outside of these specified religious exemptions is deemed illegal and may result in legal consequences.

How to Get Help for Ayahuasca Addiction Treatment

Recognizing the signs of Ayahuasca misuse and addiction early on is detrimental to the overall health status of the individual. Here are some signs of Ayahuasca misuse:

• Intense cravings to use Ayahuasca.
• Preoccupation with obtaining Ayahuasca. The person may get involved in religious activities or travel often to acquire the drug.
• Fascination or obsession with groups or celebrities that promote Ayahuasca use.
• Neglecting responsibilities or social activities due to Ayahuasca use. 
• Financial problems due to prioritizing the acquisition of Ayahuasca.
• Continuing to use Ayahuasca despite experiencing negative consequences, such as physical or psychological harm.

If you or a loved one is misusing Ayahuasca, you may contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). You can also check local substance abuse treatment centers or a healthcare professional to help you in the treatment process.

Treatment Options for Ayahuasca Abuse

Detoxification and Withdrawal Management: Detoxification programs can help people safely withdraw from Ayahuasca while also managing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, and cravings.

Behavioral Therapies and Counseling: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing can help people address the underlying difficulties that lead to Ayahuasca misuse and establish healthy coping skills.

Support Groups and Community Resources: Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery, can offer individuals peer support, encouragement, and practical sobriety skills.

Community options, such as sober living homes or recreational activities, can provide further assistance and chances for individuals to connect with others in recovery.

Holistic Approaches: Most Ayahuasca users utilize the brew for self-reflection, mindfulness, and healing from previous trauma. Treatment programs may use holistic approaches, such as meditation, yoga, or dietary counseling, to enhance general well-being and treat the physical, emotional, and spiritual elements. 

Individualized Treatment Strategies: Treatment strategies for ayahuasca abuse should be individualized to each person’s specific needs and preferences. A full assessment by qualified professionals can assist in determining the best treatment plan for each individual.