Ceremonial ‘Plant Medicine’ use and its relationship to recreational drug use: an exploratory study
Addiction Research & Theory March 30, 2018 Caroline Dorsen, Joseph Palamar, Michele G. Shedlin 21 citations
Ceremonial use of psychoactive plant-based drugs like ayahuasca and psilocybin is growing in the US, but little is known about the users or how they distinguish such use from recreational drug use. Interviews with 15 plant medicine facilitators revealed they view ceremonial use as a natural healing practice within community and ritual, clearly separate from recreational use. They see plant medicine as a potential treatment for addiction, though concerns exist about interference with recovery. The use may also influence recreational drug habits. More research is needed on who uses plant medicines, their motivations, and risks.