Ayahuasca and Public Health II: Health Status in a Large Sample of Ayahuasca-Ceremony Participants in the Netherlands
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 28, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Regular participation in ayahuasca ceremonies is associated with improved health outcomes among 377 Dutch participants, aged 48.8 years on average. Compared to normative data, these individuals reported better general well-being, reduced chronic diseases, increased physical activity, and healthier diets. Notably, they consumed less alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic. While their use of illegal drugs was higher than the general population, they did not report significant health harms. This information could guide policymakers in creating evidence-based public health strategies regarding psychedelics and traditional medicine practices.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a plant decoction in traditional Amazonian medicine. Its ritual use has been internationalized, leading to policy challenges that countries should address. This study evaluates the impact of regular ayahuasca ceremony participation on health by assessing the health status of 377 participants in ayahuasca ceremonies in the Netherlands using validated health indicators. A questionnaire was developed and administered to study participants. The questionnaire included several health indicators with public health relevance (e.g., BMI, diet, physical activity) and psychometrically validated questionnaires (ELS and COPE-easy). The data retrieved through health indicators was compared to normative Dutch data. Participants (50.1% women) were mostly Dutch (84.6%) with a mean age of 48.8 years (SD = 11.6). Compared to normative Dutch data, regular participants in ayahuasca ceremonies showed better general well-being, fewer chronic or lifestyle-related diseases, more physical activity, and a more balanced diet. Participants also used less alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic, and although they used more illegal drugs than the general population, they did not report associated harms. Our findings suggest that regular participation in ayahuasca ceremonies is not linked to relevant health harms. This data could help drug policymakers to develop and implement evidence-based public policies.