Ayahuasca and tobacco smoking cessation: results from an online survey in Brazil.
Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno, Lucas Oliveira Maia, Carolina Marcolino Massarentti, Luís Fernando Tófoli
Psychopharmacology February 18, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06063-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective cross-sectional mixed-method study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 441 |
| Population | People who reported quitting or reducing smoking following ayahuasca consumption |
| Intervention | Ayahuasca |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Psychedelic Hallucinogen Smoking cessation Tobacco abstinence Quitting smoking Nicotine addiction Addiction treatment Substance abuse treatment Therapeutic use Alternative medicine Brazil South america |
| Key findings | Mystical experience and frequency of ayahuasca intake were protective factors for smoking cessation, while positive mood during the experience was a risk factor. |
Abstract
RationaleSmoking-related disease is a major problem globally. Effective smoking cessation treatments are however limited. Increasing evidence suggests that psychedelics have potential as treatments for substance use disorders and may therefore prove an option in aiding smoking cessation.ObjectivesTo establish which factors predict smoking cessation in people who reported quitting or reducing smoking following ayahuasca consumption.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional mixed-method study (quantitative and qualitative design) was undertaken using data from an online survey evaluating peoples' experiences before and after drinking ayahuasca. Multivariate logistic regression was performed with smoking condition (cessation or reduction/relapse) as a dependent variable and demographics, smoking, ayahuasca-related variables and the mystical experience (MEQ30) as predicting factors.ResultsA total of 441 responses were grouped according to self-reported smoking status: cessation (n = 305) or reduction/relapse (n = 136) smoking. Logistic regression showed that mystical experience (OR: 1.03; 95% CI [1.00-1.05]) and frequency of ayahuasca intake (OR: 2.16[1.00-4.70]) were protective factors, while positive mood (measured by the MEQ30) during the ayahuasca experience was a risk factor (OR: 0.91[0.85-0.97]). Qualitative thematic analysis identified eight themes (e.g. acquired awareness, spiritual experience, increased motivation) related to the ayahuasca experience and the process of smoking cessation/reduction.ConclusionsOur results suggest that ayahuasca could be used as a potential tool for smoking cessation, and that effects may be mediated by mystical experience. Given the current burden of smoking-related disease and the limited treatment options, studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of psychedelics in smoking cessation.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on ayahuasca, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The antipodes Of the mind Indigenous people, shamans, members of different religious sects using Ayahuasca, and... | 2002 | Qualitative study | |
| Drug Tourism or Spiritual Healing? Ayahuasca Seekers in Amazonia Westerners participating in an ayahuasca retreat in Amazonia | 2005 | Qualitative study | |
| Therapeutic Effects of Ritual Ayahuasca Use in the Treatment of Substance Dependence—Qualitative Results Therapists, expert researchers, and individuals who underwent ayahuasca-assisted... | 2014 | Qualitative study | n = 29 |
| Nourishing the Spirit: Exploratory Research on Ayahuasca Experiences along the Continuum of Recovery from Eating Disorders Individuals previously diagnosed with an eating disorder | 2017 | Qualitative study | n = 16 |
| Exploring ayahuasca‐assisted therapy for addiction: A qualitative analysis of preliminary findings among an Indigenous community in Canada Indigenous adults in Canada who participated in ayahuasca-assisted ceremonial retreats | 2019 | Qualitative study | n = 11 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 28
- Ayahuasca's therapeutic potential: What we know - and what not. European Neuropsychopharmacology 2023
- Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Reports December 1, 2023
- The intensity of the psychedelic experience is reliably associated with clinical improvements: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews May 1, 2025
- Insights, Life Changes and Lifestyle Changes Reported by Individuals Consuming Ayahuasca in Naturalistic Settings: Nature, Frequency and Associations with Mental Health and Wellbeing Psychoactives October 3, 2023
- The current state of ayahuasca research in animal models: A systematic review. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry July 13, 2023
and 23 more in the library
Cites 56
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- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
- Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Journal of Psychopharmacology September 11, 2014
- Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later Journal of Psychopharmacology May 30, 2008
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