This qualitative interview study (n=46) examined the self-reported therapeutic potential of ayahuasca and found that while many users apply it as a ‘cure-for-all’ others report it to be most applicable to treat addiction. The intensity of subjective effects was not proportional to therapeutic effects, which often entailed the re-activation of forgotten or suppressed memories.
Abstract
“Introduction: This article focuses on the therapeutic potential ascribed to ayahuasca by users in the Czech Republic.
Methods: Following an online survey, the fieldwork among users of ayahuasca was carried out from November 2015 to December 2016. The research sample consisted of 46 persons (23 women and 23 men), who took part at least once in some type of ayahuasca ritual and/or were the facilitators of the ayahuasca sessions. We held semi-structured interviews with participants in order to discover the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca. Transcribed recordings were analyzed using the Grounded Theory Method.
Results/Discussion: The results suggest that the intensity of effects produced by ayahuasca is not directly proportional to its therapeutic effect. According to the informants, ayahuasca is applicable in the treatment of drug addiction. They consider it to have a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential. This therapeutic potential could be based on memory recall.“
Authors: Miroslav Horák, Lea Hasíková & Nahanga Verter