Ayahuasca and tobacco smoking cessation: results from an online survey in Brazil.

Among people who reported quitting or reducing smoking after drinking ayahuasca, those who had a stronger mystical experience and took ayahuasca more frequently were more likely to quit entirely rather than just reduce or relapse. Positive mood during the experience was associated with a higher risk of relapse. The findings suggest that ayahuasca may help with smoking cessation, possibly through mystical-type experiences.

Study at a glance

Abstract

RationaleSmoking-related disease is a major problem globally. Effective smoking cessation treatments are however limited. Increasing evidence suggests that psychedelics have potential as treatments for substance use disorders and may therefore prove an option in aiding smoking cessation.ObjectivesTo establish which factors predict smoking cessation in people who reported quitting or reducing smoking following ayahuasca consumption.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional mixed-method study (quantitative and qualitative design) was undertaken using data from an online survey evaluating peoples' experiences before and after drinking ayahuasca. Multivariate logistic regression was performed with smoking condition (cessation or reduction/relapse) as a dependent variable and demographics, smoking, ayahuasca-related variables and the mystical experience (MEQ30) as predicting factors.ResultsA total of 441 responses were grouped according to self-reported smoking status: cessation (n = 305) or reduction/relapse (n = 136) smoking. Logistic regression showed that mystical experience (OR: 1.03; 95% CI [1.00-1.05]) and frequency of ayahuasca intake (OR: 2.16[1.00-4.70]) were protective factors, while positive mood (measured by the MEQ30) during the ayahuasca experience was a risk factor (OR: 0.91[0.85-0.97]). Qualitative thematic analysis identified eight themes (e.g. acquired awareness, spiritual experience, increased motivation) related to the ayahuasca experience and the process of smoking cessation/reduction.ConclusionsOur results suggest that ayahuasca could be used as a potential tool for smoking cessation, and that effects may be mediated by mystical experience. Given the current burden of smoking-related disease and the limited treatment options, studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of psychedelics in smoking cessation.