Is Ayahuasca an Option for the Treatment of Crack Cocaine Dependence?

Crack cocaine users in Brazil who consumed ayahuasca tea in a religious context reported reduced drug use and, in some cases, abstinence. In interviews with 40 users, participants described that ayahuasca allowed them to access a dimension of consciousness that helped solve problems and traumas, leading to decreased crack cocaine consumption. The religious ceremony enhanced spirituality, and community reception provided emotional and social support, boosting self-esteem. These positive experiences were integrated into daily routines. The findings suggest that ayahuasca, within a religious setting, may have therapeutic potential for treating crack cocaine dependence.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The low efficacy of crack cocaine addiction treatment available in Brazil has led Brazilian users to find alternatives to reduce drug consumption or even to reach abstinence. One of them is the use of entheogenic substances, like ayahuasca, an infusion obtained from two native plant species from the Amazon. The present report aimed to understand how crack cocaine users recover from drug addiction by consuming ayahuasca tea in a religious context. This is a qualitative study with a purposeful sample of 40 crack cocaine users, based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Participants reported that ayahuasca allowed them to access a consciousness dimension which enabled them to solve problems and traumas and reduce crack cocaine consumption. The religious ceremony increased the user's spirituality and the reception from the community gave them a sense of self-esteem, strengthening them in an emotional and social way. That positive experience has been incorporated into the daily routine of most participants. Findings indicate that ayahuasca, in a religious context, may have therapeutic value for crack cocaine dependence treatment.