Acceptability of shamanic healing for treating psychostimulant dependence: a pilot survey
Alison Oliveto, Michael J Mancino, Jeff Thostenson, Sandra Ingerman, Suzanne Day, Teresa L Kramer
Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies March 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1111/fct.12092 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 103 |
| Population | Psychostimulant users in central Arkansas, USA |
| Intervention | shamanic healing |
| Topics | Addiction Shamanism |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | 74.8% of psychostimulant users surveyed were willing to participate in research involving shamanic healing, with women more willing than men. |
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundNo therapy has shown robust efficacy for treating psychostimulant dependence. Meanwhile, the feasibility and effectiveness of direct spiritual healing modalities for this disorder are unknown.ObjectivesTo determine the acceptability of participating in research using a spiritual healing approach, namely shamanic healing, among psychostimulant users.MethodsPsychostimulant users in central Arkansas, USA, interested in participating in ongoing treatment research, were surveyed to determine willingness to participate in research involving shamanic healing.ResultsOf the 103 respondents, 74.8% reported being willing to participate in research involving shamanic healing, with women being more likely than men to participate (χ2=4.21, P=0.04). Religious affiliation, age, race, primary drug problem and prior experience with an alternative therapy were not associated with willingness to participate (P>0.1). Respondents stating that participation would be against their religious beliefs always had an evangelical religious affiliation (χ2=6.32, P=0.04). Respondents stating that they needed more information were most likely to have a traditional religious affiliation (χ2=7.54, P=0.02). Those reporting time commitment as the reason for refusal were more likely to have experienced an alternative therapy (χ2=7.88, P=0.005).ConclusionsResearch involving shamanic healing for treating psychostimulant dependence may be feasible, even in a region with a high prevalence of evangelical affiliations.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archetype symbols and altered consciousness: a study of shamanic rituals in the context of Jungian psychology Participants in shamanic rituals | 2024 | Survey | n = 75 |
| Beliefs in and experiences of sorcery, black magic and brujería among psychedelic users: a quantitative and qualitative survey Adults with personal, professional, or cultural involvement in psychedelics | 2026 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 895 |
| A Spatial Analysis of Shamans in South Korea’s Religious Market Shamanic sites and religious facilities across 229 districts in South Korea | 2025 | Observational cross-sectional study with spatial regression models | |
| Shamanism, Traditional Beliefs, and Trust in Government in Kazakhstan First-year university students in Astana, Kazakhstan | 2026 | Observational survey | n = 351 |
| Transpersonal Effects of Exposure to Shamanic Use of Khoomei (Tuvan Throat Singing): Preliminary Evaluations from Training Seminars Western participants who attended Khoomei seminars | 2012 | Survey study | n = 181 |