Ayahuasca, een potentiële therapeutische tool voor verslaving

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in the Netherlands and the therapeutic potential it may have for people who are trying to cope with substance and/or alcohol dependence. The study included interviews with 13 participants with a current or history of addiction to drugs or alcohol. All of them have participated in at least one Ayahuasca ceremony. This study portrays their experiences with Ayahuasca and their perspective on the therapeutic use of Ayahuasca for addiction treatment. It also identifies several mechanisms of how Ayahuasaca ceremonies have helped certain participants cope or overcome their addiction. Findings indicate that Ayahuasca can serve as a valuable therapeutic tool for some people with an addiction problem when used in a ceremonial setting. However, the way Ayahuasca is offered now in the Netherlands, without any program and without any laws about these rituals, is probably less ideal for people coping with addiction then when there would be an Ayahuasca-assisted therapy program.