Ayahuasca is one of several teas to have been used by the shamans as a traditional medicine. Throughout the Amazon region of South America, it’s been around for centuries. It’s prepared from a few different plant species, some of which contain psychedelic chemicals like dimethyltryptamine, or DMT.
As a medicine, ayahuasca is used for its alleged healing properties. People also use it recreationally. It’s known for loosening the inner mind and for exposing fears, hopes, dreams, and spiritual vitality.
A major upside of ayahuasca is that it’s non-addictive. If it really helps with certain ailments, it might make a good medicine. Aside from its vile, bitter taste, there’s one big drawback to Ayahuasca treatment: a seriously intense high. Shortly after ingestion, ayahuasca causes strong hallucinations, both auditory and visual.
Just because a substance causes hallucinations doesn’t make it medically useless. Ayahuasca and LSD both belong to the a field of medicine known as “psychedelic therapy.” Many psychiatrists see LSD as a useful therapeutic drug for the same reason the shamans value ayahuasca: it allows you to confront fears, memories, and resentments without having to summon them manually. However, this doesn’t change the fact that the experience can be extremely unpleasant for users. The side effects can be extreme as well: vomiting, diarrhea, hypertension, etc.
Advocates claim that ayahuasca can help with addiction to heroin, cocaine, and alcohol, which has sparked a lot of interest in the addiction management community. Many treatment centers use it to help patients overcome psychological hurdles. Ayahuasca treatment requires clients to undergo intense psychological and psychic detoxification and healing sessions, which can last for months.
The variance in potency and psychoactive materials means that each session is different and each person reacts differently. After ingesting ayahuasca, the effects take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours to kick in. This drug should never be taken unless under medical guidance or by prescription. If misused, it can cause extreme adverse reactions like purging, severe headaches, and fever.
Those who seek out ayahuasca illicitly may be looking for a quick fix for their addiction. Remember: there is no quick fix. Medications like these only work in addition to behavioral intervention.
Hired Power can’t offer every experimental treatment option out there, but we do offer some innovative techniques. For more information on the medicines, therapies, and other strategies we employ, browse our website. For a consultation, give us a call at 800-910-9299. We’re happy to help.
