Ayahuasca Addiction

For those who may not be familiar with ayahuasca, it is a tea that contains DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine), a hallucinogenic compound. Ayahuasca is derived from the Quechua language and loosely translated means either vine of the soul or vine with a soul. When an individual consumes this tea, it can trigger either a mild sedating effect or lead to extreme hallucinations.

HOW DOES AYAHUASCA-BASED TEA AFFECT THE BRAIN?

DMT, ayahuasca’s primary ingredient, has a chemical structure very similar to serotonin. To understand this better, let’s examine how serotonin works in the body. Serotonin is found in the brain, bowels, and blood platelets as a chemical neurotransmitter. It regulates sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and sexual function.

Low serotonin levels can cause depression and other mental health disorders. Physicians often prescribe SSRIs to boost serotonin for patients struggling with these symptoms. Many people consume ayahuasca tea to achieve similar serotonin-boosting benefits.

Studies show ayahuasca’s mind-altering effects can begin within 30 minutes of consumption. Hallucinations vary in intensity and last one to six hours, similar to LSD. Users often perceive sounds as more intense or hear nonexistent sounds.

While there are a variety of ways to consume ayahuasca-based herbs, many people prefer to consume it in tea form, which introduces small amounts of the mind-altering substance to the brain over a longer timeframe, resulting in a longer and more pleasurable high.

AYAHUASCA-BASED TEA AND ADDICTION

While ayahuasca-based tea is not physically addictive, it can trigger psychological cravings, which can be just as difficult for some people to overcome. That said, there is very little research available when it comes to the long-term psychological effects of consuming ayahuasca-based tea, and there is even less information available concerning the full extent that the tea has on one’s physical health when consumed long-term. The one thing that most addiction experts will agree on, however, is that the mild to moderate hallucinations associated with these teas in and of itself can lead to psychological dependence for some individuals.

AYAHUASCA-BASED TEA AS AN HERBAL OPIATE

Although the addiction treatment and recovery community does not recommend or endorse the practice, many individuals turn to ayahuasca-based teas to overcome their addiction to prescription or street-level opioids. That said, we urge those who choose to consume ayahuasca-based tea for opioid addiction to proceed with caution. According to Dr. Gerald Thomas, director of alcohol and gambling policy with British Columbia’s Health Ministry, consuming ayahuasca-based tea may be beneficial for those seeking to end their addiction to opioids due to how it temporarily alters brain function.

SIDE EFFECTS OF AYAHUASCA-BASED TEA

Despite people extolling its calming effects and therapeutic benefits, ayahuasca-based tea triggers some side effects. After all, the psychedelic tea comprises DMT, Banisteriopsis caapi flowering vines, and Psychotria viridis shrub leaves, all of which can alter the mind. Common physical side effects include

• Agitation
• Chest pain
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Seizures
• Vomiting

Of course, the side effects do not end there as ayahuasca-based tea is also known to trigger a variety of psychological side effects as well, including hallucinations, anxiety, and extreme paranoia. Ironically, some individuals consume ayahuasca-based tea solely to achieve these psychological effects. These same individuals have equated these effects, which may be off-putting to most people, as a way of cleansing their mind and body. Whether these beliefs are misguided or based on tangible evidence is still up for debate, but many people believe they are simply par for the course when consuming these psychedelic teas.

WHY IS AYAHUASCA-BASED TEA GROWING IN POPULARITY?

Although ayahuasca-based tea has recently started making headlines in North America, South American countries have used it as a mainstay for decades. People often consume it during religious ceremonies, seeking its hallucinogenic properties to trigger a spiritual awakening. In the United States, two churches use ayahuasca-based tea during religious ceremonies. These churches include the UDV church in Santa Fe, New Mexico and also the Santo Daime church in Oregon. Also, more people are turning to this psychedelic tea to help them overcome opioid addiction and as a way to cope with mental health disorders like depression and PTSD, for example.

HOW IS AYAHUASCA-BASED TEA MADE?

This new ayahuasca tea trend has more people brewing it at home for varying reasons. Some use it as an herbal opiate alternative to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. Others use it for self-care to address mental health disorders. Most people brew this psychedelic tea traditionally using Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria Viridis.

Psychotria Viridis contains DMT, the most active ingredient, while Banisteriopsis caapi contains MAOIs that protect against stomach upset as the stomach absorbs and breaks down Psychotria Viridis. The brewing process is not too dissimilar from brewing any other kind of tea. In essence, you will need to combine all of the ingredients into a saucepan, fill the pan with water, and allow the water to come to a boil. From there, carefully pour the combination into a cup using a tea strainer to catch the leaves and stems.

BOTTOM LINE

There are also many reports of people becoming psychologically addicted to these teas as well. If you’re thinking about trying ayahuasca-based tea as an herbal opiate to help with opioid cessation, to cope with a mental illness, or for any other reason, you’re strongly encouraged to speak with a physician before making your decision.