Therapist and Patient Perspectives on Ayahuasca-Assisted Treatment for Substance Dependence

The Therapeutic Potentials of Ayahuasca: Possible Effects against Various Diseases of Civilization

“…Various forms of clinical research have attempted to reveal the mechanisms that lie under the commonly reported anti-addictive effects of ayahuasca (see Winkelman, 2014 for review). Loizaga-Velder and Pazzi (2014) revealed the bases of ayahuasca therapies with an empirical study of therapists who used ayahuasca professionally in addictions treatment and addicts who participated in ayahuasca treatment programs based on indigenous shamanistic approaches. These authors noted that most patients reported therapeutic effects involving: “augmenting body awareness, reducing drug-craving, triggering different types of emotional processes (catharsis, perception of previously suppressed emotions, generating inner resources for coping with emotions or urges to use), supporting introspection (self-analysis, eliciting awareness of addiction, and its adverse effects on oneself and others), and enhancing self-efficacy (becoming aware of positive aspects of oneself, thus improving self-esteem and confidence to stay sober)” ( Loizaga-Velder and Pazzi, 2014 ).…”

Psychedelics as Medicines for Substance Abuse Rehabilitation: Evaluating Treatments with LSD, Peyote, Ibogaine and Ayahuasca

“…Within the shamanistic traditions, the vomiting, referred to as a purge (purge), is seen as a part of the process of detoxification of the body, not only the elimination of toxins, but also the expulsion of morbid emotional and mental conditions. Loizaga-Velder and Loizaga Pazzi [61] note that this emetic effect experienced through vomiting is seen as provoking an emotional release or unloading of psychological burdens, as well as provoking diverse emotional dynamics that trigger psychological and spiritual reactions.…”

“…The ayahuasca visions are also consequences of biological effects that contribute important therapeutic dynamics through connecting the patient with significant aspects of their personal past, elevating repressed memories into consciousness where they can play a role in psychological healing through restructuring. Loizaga-Velder and Loizaga Pazzi [61] report that a frequent theme of recovered addicts was that the ayahuasca-induced visions helped them to recover repressed memories of traumatic events that they were then able to work through, providing a basis for restructuring their personal life. Ayahuasca-induced awareness often leads to insights that facilitated selfreflection, producing changes in perspectives and perceptions of self that can trigger psychodynamics insights that provide creative solutions to personal problems and maladaptive psychological patterns that support addictive lifestyles.…”

“…Loizaga-Velder and Loizaga Pazzi [61] provide insight into the bases of ayahuasca therapies from an empirical study of therapists who used ayahuasca professionally in addictions treatment and addicts who participated in ayahuasca treatment programs based on indigenous shamanistic approaches. "[A]yahuasca-induced subjective experiences ... that they considered significant in relation to their recovery ... can be categorized in four interrelated, psychotherapeutically relevant aspects that include bodyoriented, emotional/social, insight oriented/cognitive, and transpersonal."…”

“…[61, p. 136]. Loizaga-Velder and Loizaga Pazzi [61] note that most patients interviewed reported that they perceived therapeutic effects involving: "augmenting body awareness, reducing drug-craving, triggering different types of emotional processes (catharsis, perception of previously suppressed emotions, generating inner resources for coping with emotions or urges to use), supporting introspection (self-analysis, eliciting consciousness of addiction and its adverse effects on oneself and others), and enhancing self-efficacy (becoming aware of positive aspects of oneself, thus improving self-esteem and confidence to stay sober)" [61, p. 136-137.…”