Long-term benefits to psychological health and well-being after ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in Middle Eastern and North African immigrants and refugees.
Frontiers in psychiatry January 1, 2024 Matthew X Lowe, Hannes Kettner, Del R P Jolly et al. 9 citations
Ceremonial ayahuasca use is associated with significant improvements in mental health, well-being, and psychological functioning among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants and refugees. In a longitudinal online survey of 15 primarily female participants, reductions in depression, anxiety, and shame were reported, along with increases in cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion. Most participants reported no lasting adverse effects and experienced positive behavioral changes persisting months after ingestion. The findings suggest naturalistic ayahuasca use might hold therapeutic potential for MENA populations exposed to trauma prior to and during migration, though data are preliminary.