If you or someone you know has struggled with addiction, you know how tough it can be to break free. Many people try different treatments—therapy, support groups and/or medications—but addiction is complicated and sometimes, recovery feels out of reach.
A powerful plant-based tea called ayahuasca has gotten attention as a possible tool to help people overcome addiction. Some say it has changed their lives, helping them heal from past pain and find new purpose. But is ayahuasca safe? Does it really work? And what are the risks?
We spoke with Krista LaBruzzo, MD, an addiction medicine specialist with Banner – University Medicine, about what ayahuasca is and how it might help in addiction recovery.
What is ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca (pronounced “eye-uh-WAH-skuh”) is a traditional brew from the Amazon rainforest. Indigenous groups in South America have used it for centuries in spiritual and healing ceremonies. The drink is typically made of two plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub.
“Ayahuasca contains DMT, a natural chemical that is classified as a hallucinogen, which can be a misnomer and pejorative,” Dr. LaBruzzo said. “More accurately, it can be described as a psychedelic, altering your state of consciousness. Most people can expect to feel emotional openness and increased interpersonal connection.”
The DMT in it is believed to affect the brain’s serotonin receptors, causing strong mental and emotional effects.
Visual hallucinations can include geometrical shapes and intensity of colors. People have reported having deep emotional experiences while using it. They might remember forgotten memories, face past trauma or feel a strong connection to the world around them.
How could ayahuasca help with addiction?
Addiction isn’t just about physical cravings. Addiction is not the primary problem. It’s also a person’s attempt to escape pain, trauma or mental health struggles. If we can heal those things, we may be able to heal the addiction.
“When it comes to overcoming addiction, healing from past trauma and emotional pain is often just as important as breaking free from substance dependence,” Dr. LaBruzzo said. “Some people use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with underlying mental health struggles like depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
Ayahuasca may be a tool to address these issues, helping people gain insight into the root causes of their addictive behaviors.
Scientists are still investigating how ayahuasca affects addiction and though more research is needed, some early findings suggest the brew may help those struggling with substance use:
- A 2019 study found that people recovering from substance abuse disorder reported fewer cravings and better mental health after ayahuasca ceremonies.
- Research in Canada and Brazil suggests that ayahuasca may help people reduce their use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances.
- A small study showed that ayahuasca-assisted therapy helped people with PTSD and depression, two conditions that often make addiction harder to treat.
“It’s important to note that these studies are small and often rely on personal reports, not long-term clinical trials,” Dr. LaBruzzo noted. “More research is needed to understand how well ayahuasca works for addiction and who it might help most.”
The risks and limitations of ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is not a quick fix for addiction. It has risks and it’s not right for everyone. Here are some things to consider:
- Intense psychological effects: The experience can be emotionally overwhelming for some people. While many people report having life-changing emotional breakthroughs, others experience intense fear, anxiety or feelings of despair. The brew can bring up painful memories or confront users with their most difficult emotions.
- Physical reactions: Vomiting and diarrhea are common side effects. Some people also experience increased heart rate or high blood pressure.
- Drug interactions: Ayahuasca can be dangerous if mixed with certain medications, including antidepressants. “The brew’s active ingredient, DMT, can interact with medications that affect serotonin levels, such as SSRIs or MAOIs,” Dr. LaBruzzo said. “Combining these drugs with ayahuasca can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.”
- Not a standalone treatment: Experts warn that ayahuasca should not replace proven treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and medical support. It may be a helpful tool, but it is not a cure-all. Ayahuasca may work best when used as a complementary therapy in a broader treatment plan.
- Legal and safety concerns: Ayahuasca is illegal in many countries like the United States. However, some religious groups have special permission to use it in ceremonies. In other places, like Peru and Brazil, ayahuasca is legal in certain settings.
“Some people travel to retreats in South America, but not all are safe,” Dr. LaBruzzo warned. “Anyone considering this should be aware of the legal risks and the lack of regulation in some retreat centers. Safety should always come first.”
The future of ayahuasca and addiction treatment
Much of the current research on ayahuasca is focused on short-term effects, but researchers are also interested in its long-term impact on health and well-being. More research is needed to understand the physical and psychological risks, especially for people with pre-existing conditions or mental health disorders.
“Research on other psychedelics, like psilocybin and MDMA, has shown potential for conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD,” Dr. LaBruzzo said. “It’ll be interesting to see how these results compare to those results with ayahuasca.”
While it’s clear that ayahuasca is not a quick-fix solution, it is important to understand that for some this ancient brew may hold transformative potential in addiction recovery. Its power to address deep emotional pain and facilitate healing is something that could be explored more in the coming years, particularly as addiction medicine evolves.
Bottom line
Ayahuasca is a substance that could help some people recover from addiction. The emotional and mental experiences it creates may help people face the reasons behind their addiction. However, it is not an easy or risk-free solution. The brew can have strong effects, both on the body and the mind and should not replace other addiction treatments.
As researchers continue to study ayahuasca, be careful and respectful when thinking about using it. If you're considering trying ayahuasca, always talk to a health care provider to make sure it’s safe for you. While we don’t yet know exactly how helpful it will be for addiction recovery, with more research, ayahuasca could change the way we treat addiction in the future.
If you’re looking for help in fighting addiction, reach out to your health care provider, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-4357 or call Banner behavioral health at 602-254-4357.
