Exploring ayahuasca‐assisted therapy for addiction: A qualitative analysis of preliminary findings among an Indigenous community in Canada
Drug and Alcohol Review September 5, 2019 Elena Argento, Rielle Capler, Gerald Thomas et al. 98 citations
Ayahuasca-assisted therapy helped Indigenous community members in Canada reduce substance use and cravings, with eight of eleven participants completely stopping at least one substance by six months after retreats. The therapy differed from conventional treatments by helping participants identify negative thought patterns and barriers related to addiction. Increased connectedness with self, others, and nature or spirit was described as a key element associated with reduced substance use and cravings. These qualitative findings expand on prior quantitative results and suggest that ayahuasca-assisted therapy may offer benefits for addressing problematic substance use where conventional treatments have limited efficacy.