Altered States of Consciousness and Short-Term Psychological After-Effects Induced by the First Time Ritual Use of Ayahuasca in an Urban Context in Brazil
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2005 Paulo César Ribeiro Barbosa, Joel Sales Giglio, Paulo Dalgalarrondo 121 citations
After first-time ritual use of ayahuasca in the Santo Daime and União do Vegetal religious groups, participants reported predominantly positive expectations beforehand. The most salient altered-state experiences included visual phenomena, a sense of the numinous, peacefulness, insights, and some distressing reactions. In the Santo Daime group, minor psychiatric symptoms significantly reduced. Both groups reported behavioral changes toward assertiveness, serenity, and vivacity or joy. Findings are discussed in terms of set and setting, suggestibility, and ayahuasca's unique effects.