What is Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that utilizes the traditional Amazonian plant medicine ayahuasca in conjunction with guided therapeutic support to promote deep emotional, psychological, and physical healing. Ayahuasca, a brew made primarily from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves, has been used for centuries by Indigenous tribes in the Amazon for healing, spiritual growth, and communal bonding. The psychoactive compound in ayahuasca, DMT (dimethyltryptamine), facilitates profound introspective experiences, making it a potent tool for addressing the underlying causes of problematic substance use and other mental health challenges.
Moving Away from the Disease Model of Addiction
At Sacred Rebels Recovery, we embrace a spectrum model of substance use rather than the traditional disease model of addiction. The disease model often labels individuals as having a lifelong, incurable illness, which can reinforce feelings of powerlessness and shame. In contrast, the spectrum model recognizes that substance use exists on a continuum and is often influenced by trauma, emotional pain, societal pressures, and environmental factors. By treating substance use as part of a broader spectrum of human behavior, we aim to empower individuals to reclaim their autonomy and heal at a deeper level.
AAT aligns with this approach by addressing the root causes of problematic substance use — such as trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and disconnection — rather than merely focusing on symptom management. Research supports the idea that unresolved trauma and emotional pain often underpin substance use disorders, and healing these core issues can lead to long-term recovery (Gabor Maté, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, 2010).
Why Indigenous Shipibo Healers and Trained Providers are Essential
The Shipibo people of the Peruvian Amazon have an ancestral lineage of working with ayahuasca for healing and spiritual growth. Their profound knowledge, passed down through generations, ensures that ayahuasca ceremonies are conducted safely, ethically, and effectively. Shipibo healers, or “curanderos,” use sacred songs called “icaros” to guide the healing process, protect participants, and facilitate the release of emotional and spiritual blockages.
By partnering with authentic Shipibo healers or Indigenous-trained facilitators, Sacred Rebels Recovery honors the cultural origins of ayahuasca and ensures that participants receive care grounded in traditional wisdom. This approach not only enhances the therapeutic process but also fosters cultural humility, respect, and authenticity. Studies indicate that the presence of trained Indigenous healers helps create a more effective and culturally appropriate healing environment (Berlowitz et al., 2020).
The Therapeutic Process in AAT
AAT typically involves:
- Preparation: Psychological, emotional, and physical preparation to ensure participants are ready for the experience. This includes dietary guidelines (dieta) and setting clear intentions.
- Ceremony: Guided ayahuasca ceremonies where participants confront and process deep-seated emotional issues under the supervision of experienced healers.
- Integration: Post-ceremony support to help participants incorporate insights and experiences into their daily lives. This can include therapy, group discussions, journaling, and mindfulness practices.
Healing Beyond Substance Use: Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Benefits
AAT provides a holistic approach to healing, addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that ayahuasca therapy offers numerous benefits:
- Emotional Healing: AAT helps individuals process trauma, grief, and suppressed emotions. Studies have shown significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression (Palhano-Fontes et al., 2019). The experience often leads to profound insights and emotional release, enabling individuals to heal past wounds.
- Neuroplasticity and Brain Health: Ayahuasca promotes neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) and enhances neuroplasticity, which may help repair neural pathways damaged by long-term substance use (de Araujo et al., 2012).
- Spiritual Connection: Many participants report a renewed sense of purpose, connection to the self, others, and nature. This spiritual dimension can provide a strong foundation for sustainable recovery.
- Physical Healing: Ayahuasca has been associated with physical health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, immune system support, and potential healing of chronic illnesses. Some users report relief from chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and digestive issues (Frecska et al., 2016).
- Self-Compassion and Self-Love: AAT encourages the cultivation of self-love and the replacement of negative self-talk with positive, nurturing beliefs. This shift is essential in overcoming the underlying self-abuse patterns that fuel substance use.
Why AAT Supports Long-Term Recovery
AAT’s ability to address the root causes of problematic substance use sets it apart from traditional recovery methods. By providing a space to heal trauma, reconnect with one’s authentic self, and develop self-compassion, AAT fosters a more profound and lasting transformation. The combination of plant medicine, traditional wisdom, and modern integration practices helps participants build a solid foundation for sustainable abstinence and a fulfilling life.
References
- Maté, G. (2010). In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction. Vintage Canada.
- Berlowitz, I., García Torres, E., Walt, H. (2020). “Spirituality and Ayahuasca in Addiction Treatment.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
- Palhano-Fontes, F., et al. (2019). “Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression.” Psychological Medicine, 49(4), 655-663.
- de Araujo, D. B., et al. (2012). “Seeing with the eyes shut: Neural basis of enhanced imagery following ayahuasca ingestion.” Human Brain Mapping, 33(11), 2550-2560.
- Frecska, E., Bokor, P., Winkelman, M. (2016). “The Therapeutic Potentials of Ayahuasca: Possible Effects against Various Diseases of Civilization.” Frontiers in Pharmacology.