Who Turns to Amazonian Medicine for Treatment of Substance Use Disorder? Patient Characteristics at the Takiwasi Addiction Treatment Center
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs – July 01, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Amazonian medicine-based therapy shows promise in attracting a diverse group of patients seeking help for substance use disorders (SUD). In a sample of 150 individuals, 75% reported previous unsuccessful treatments, indicating a strong appeal for those with more severe impairments. The cultural diversity among participants highlights a growing international interest in alternative therapies like ayahuasca, which may address gaps in current SUD treatments. These insights are crucial for advancing addiction medicine and enhancing mental health outcomes in clinical psychology and family medicine.
Abstract
Our results suggest that the Amazonian medicine-based therapy attracts a diverse patient group not limited to regional residents and may be particularly appealing to more impaired SUD patients with a history of unsuccessful treatment. The sample's cultural diversity suggests an existing interest in such therapies among international SUD treatment-seeking patients. These findings are relevant in light of the need for improved SUD therapies and contribute to the emergent research literature on ayahuasca-based treatments.