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Cited by 102Psychedelics and Drug StudiesSubstance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesReligion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Exploring ayahuasca‐assisted therapy for addiction: A qualitative analysis of preliminary findings among an Indigenous community in Canada

Argento, Elena, Capler, Rielle, Thomas, Gerald, Lucas, Philippe, Tupper, Kenneth W.·2019·Drug and Alcohol Review
DOI 10.1111/dar.12985
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Abstract

Introduction and Aims: A previous observational study of ayahuasca‐assisted therapy demonstrated statistically significant reductions in self‐reported problematic cocaine use among members of an Indigenous community in Canada. This paper aims to qualitatively explore the impact of ayahuasca‐assisted therapy on addiction and other substance use‐related outcomes and elucidate the lived experiences of participants. Design and Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 adult Indigenous participants of the ayahuasca‐assisted ‘Working with Addiction and Stress’ ceremonial retreats (June–September 2011). Semi‐structured interviews assessed experiences of participants following the retreats at 6‐month follow up. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was conducted. Results: Narratives revealed that the retreats helped participants identify negative thought patterns and barriers related to their addiction in ways that differed from conventional therapies. All participants reported reductions in substance use and cravings; eight participants reported complete cessation of at least one substance at follow up. Increased connectedness with self, others and nature/spirit was described as a key element associated with reduced substance use and cravings. Discussion and Conclusions: This analysis expands upon prior quantitative results highlighting the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca‐assisted therapy and provides important contextual insights into why ayahuasca‐assisted therapy may have been beneficial for members of an Indigenous community seeking to address their problematic use of substances. Given limited efficacy of conventional treatments for resolving addiction issues, further research should investigate the role of ayahuasca and other psychedelic‐assisted therapies in enhancing connectedness and other key factors that may improve well‐being and reduce harmful substance use.

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Authors
Argento, E., Capler, R., Thomas, G., Lucas, P., & Tupper, K. W.
Affiliations
  • University of British Columbia (CA)
  • British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (CA)
  • University of Victoria (CA)
Corresponding author
Thomas, Gerald
ORCID
Venue
Drug and Alcohol Review
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2019-09-05
Volume
38
Issue
7
Pages
781-789
ISSN
  • 0959-5236 (ISSN-L)
  • 1465-3362
DOI
10.1111/dar.12985
OpenAlex
W2971496197
Cited by
102
References
44
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 36 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 1
FWCI
10.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Drug and Alcohol Review (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • River Styx Foundation
  • TIDES Canada
  • Riverstyx Foundation
  • Dr. Bronner's Soaps
  • Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
  • Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Keywords
psychedelic therapy, addiction, cocaine use, indigenous peoples, lived experience, substance use reduction, craving, connectedness
MeSH terms
Indigenous Peoples, Adult, Canada, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Treatment Outcome, Substance-Related Disorders, Plant Preparations, Banisteriopsis, Young Adult

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