In recent years, the use of psychedelics in
treating PTSD has gained notice in the scientific community. Past
studies on the effectiveness of psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide
(LSD), methylene dioxin methamphetamine (MDMA), dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
and Psilocybin (mushrooms) have shown some efficacy in treating
various mental health conditions. Ayahuasca brew, which contains DMT, is a
popular alternative for those with PTSD who have tried more traditional
treatments such as therapy and medication unsuccessfully.
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is used by numerous indigenous tribes
throughout the Amazon Basin for both medical and ritualistic purposes. It has
gained some popularity among North American scientists, physicians, and
laypeople interested in its spiritual, psychological, and medicinal benefits.
For the indigenous people of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru,
and Venezuela, Ayahuasca is used for healing ailments and is viewed as a means
of connecting with one’s soul.
Ayahuasca is a mixture of Chacruna leaf, Chagropanga vine,
Ayahuasca vine, and assorted admixture plants. Once ingested, it affects the
human consciousness starting approximately half an hour after consumption and
its effects last about six hours. In some cases, individuals experience
significant psychological stress, increased heart rate, and higher
diastolic blood pressure during the experience. These potential side effects
raise concerns for those being treated.
Psychedelic effects
The psychedelic effects of Ayahuasca include visual and
auditory hallucinations, the mixing of sensory modalities, and psychological
introspection that may lead to great elation, fear, or a sense of
illumination. The visual hallucinations have been reported to begin with
intense light shows swerving in and out of one’s field of view. Regardless of
whether eyes are closed or open, these visuals persist and eventually turn into
images, from gods to snakes to anything else imaginable. Though many seek
Ayahuasca to treat a variety of mental health issues, the experience is often
unique to the individual.
When ingesting Ayahuasca brew, individuals will very
likely experience a wide variety of symptoms that include dizziness, weakness,
tremors, abnormal sensations, nausea, and altered consciousness. Intense
vomiting and occasional diarrhea, known as “the purge," is also common,
and is considered by many shamans and experienced users of Ayahuasca to be an
essential part of the experience. And many who have consumed the substance
report a kind of “spiritual awakening.”
Warning!
Ayahuasca can be dangerous, as it might increase the risk
of having a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder or
a family history of the disorder. And, excessive use can lead to serotonin
syndrome, especially when used in conjunction with SSRIs. A few deaths due to
the consumption of Ayahuasca have also been reported. These deaths may have
been due to unscreened pre-existing heart conditions; interactions with other
drugs, such as antidepressants, recreational drugs, caffeine, or nicotine;
or the result of improper use.
What Is PTSD?
Now, before the assessment of how and why Ayahuasca may
help not just with PTSD symptoms, but also the PTSD sources, let’s review what
PTSD is. PTSD, or Post-traumatic stress disorder, is a condition that develops
in some people after experiencing dreadful and frightening events – also known
as trauma. This could be a personal assault, a serious accident, a natural
disaster, or war.
It can happen to anyone – of all nationalities and
cultures, and at any age. An estimated one in 11 people will actually be
diagnosed with PTSD during their lifetime, with women being twice as likely as
men to have PTSD. The number of undiagnosed cases would probably make that
number much higher, as many people learn coping mechanisms and repress the
symptoms.
The Causes of PTSD
What causes PTSD? It remains unclear why some people get
PTSD following events that involve threatened or actual death, or serious
injury. PTSD causes may also include:
·
A family history of anxiety and depression –
linked to inherited mental health risks
·
Temperament – inherited features of your
personality can play a part
·
Stress responses – how your brain regulates the
chemicals and hormones released into your body
·
Early childhood traumas – such as abuse and
neglect
·
A history of mental illness – this includes
substance abuse
·
In early years of life, even minor events can
cause trauma as children are very vulnerable and sensitive, and the effects can
last lifelong if not worked upon
The Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can vary in severity, last longer than a
month, and often persist for years. Symptoms may appear early on, or later,
causing immense distress and problems with functioning. Symptoms are categorized
as:
·
Re-experiencing – flashbacks reliving the
traumatic events time and time again with physical signs of sweating and an
increased heart rate. Frightening thoughts and bad dreams are included as they
can be triggered by words, objects, and situations
·
Avoidance – these characteristics of staying
away from certain places and avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the
events can cause changes in everyday routine and habits
·
Reactivity – feelings of tension, having
difficulty sleeping. and being easily startled make it difficult to focus, eat,
and sleep properly
·
Cognition and mood – distorted guilty feelings
alongside negative thoughts and difficulty in remembering can cause a loss of
interest in activities that should be enjoyable. This may result in alienation
and detachment from family and friends
·
Patterns of behavior – all the above can be
summarized into one thing. PTSD causes the victim to develop a pattern of
behavior that persists based on a “conclusion” or “decision” made during the
traumatic event. This conclusion becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy which
causes repeated trauma for the person with PTSD.
The Types of PTSD
Types of PTSD that take years to develop are known as
delayed-onset PTSD and is diagnosed in less than 20% of cases. The symptoms are
the same as those mentioned above.
Secondary trauma can be developed if you’ve been
supporting someone who has experienced severe trauma – making the impact of the
event distressing to you
Acute stress disorder is characterized by panic
reactions, mental confusion, severe insomnia, and being unable to manage basic
self-care
Uncomplicated PTSD involves the persistent
re-experiencing of the traumatic event, emotional numbing, and symptoms of increased
arousal
Comorbid PTSD is normally associated with depression,
alcohol or substance abuse, and panic and other anxiety disorders
Complex PTSD has similar symptoms to PTSD but has
increased after-experience signs such as:
·
Avoidance of friendships and relationships
·
Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
·
Difficulty in controlling emotions
·
Suicidal thoughts
The Treatments for PTSD
Treatments for PTSD include immediate support,
medication, and psychotherapy. Depending on the PTSD diagnosis good responses
may be achieved with group and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Carefully
managed treatment will be given for psychiatric and addiction problems.
Some people may turn to religion and have great faith in
the help and support of others. And now there’s preliminary evidence that the
visionary element in the sacred brew Ayahuasca can help people with PTSD.
Ayahuasca and PTSD
This is a new topic for scientific research, but there
are already very promising studies’ outcomes, suggesting positive therapeutic
benefits of ingesting Ayahuasca. One study found that a single dose of
Ayahuasca had rapid, sustained antidepressant effects in patients with
recurrent depression who had not responded well to medication in the
past. In another study examining a six-month evaluation of the ingestion of
Ayahuasca on psychiatric symptoms, results showed improved mental
health and a change in attitude towards emotional independence.
How Ayahuasca may Help?
One way that ayahuasca ceremonies may help with PTSD is
by allowing participants to confront their fears and traumas directly. Many
people with PTSD avoid situations or triggers that remind them of their trauma.
This avoidance can be a significant barrier to recovery. Ayahuasca ceremonies
may help people face their fears and work through them in a safe and supportive
environment. The intense emotional experiences that occur during an ayahuasca
ceremony can also help participants process and release traumatic memories.
Another way that ayahuasca ceremonies may help with PTSD
is by promoting a sense of connection and meaning. Many people with PTSD feel
disconnected from others and struggle to find meaning in their lives. Ayahuasca
ceremonies often involve group settings and communal activities, such as
singing or dancing. These experiences can help participants feel connected to
others and to a greater sense of purpose. The profound experiences that occur
during an ayahuasca ceremony can also help participants gain a new perspective
on life and their place in the world.
Ayahuasca is not a magic pill, just drinking ayahuasca
will not fix all your problems. It is a deep spiritual journey that helps you
to see yourself with greater clarity. After this experience, if you go back and
continue with the same habits and patterns, you will very likely experience the
same life issues you had prior to drinking ayahuasca.
The term entheogenic means something that induces an
experience of god within. It leads to experiences of spiritual enlightenment
and conscious-modifying journeys into different realms. When this is done with
proper support where a trained facilitator can help you to integrate the
insights to apply in your everyday life, the effects can be long lasting, if
you commit and follow through with the changes that are experienced during the
ayahuasca retreat.
Ayahuasca alkaloids enhance the processes used in memory
reconsolidation and fear extinction. This fear response triggered by the memory
can be extinguished or reprogrammed with the proper techniques.
Traumatic memory plays a huge role in the development of
PTSD and how those memories get processed and dealt with are a key factor in
modern therapies. While individuals are under the influence of ayahuasca,
emotional processing is highly activated. The part of the brain area linked to
PTSD is the amygdala, and when this gets activated, traumatic memories can be
relived and addressed. During an ayahuasca journey, this is accompanied by
higher perspectives and lessons that help to integrate the experience.
Is it legal in the USA?
Ayahuasca contains DMT, a Schedule I controlled substance
in the United States. This means that DMT is a highly restricted and illegal
substance, except for scientific research and some religious or spiritual
ceremonies. Some states such as Oregon, for instance, have decriminalized the
personal use of certain drugs, including psilocybin-containing mushrooms, but
Ayahuasca use remains fully illegal.
However, there are multiple religious organizations that
may legally use Ayahuasca under federal law. The most notable of these
organizations is the Church of Santo Daime, which was granted a historic exemption
from the Controlled Substances Act in 2009 after winning a case in federal
court. This exemption allows members of the church to import, distribute, and
consume Ayahuasca as part of their spiritual practices.
Therefore, while Ayahuasca may be legal in a few select
circumstances, it remains a highly restricted and illegal substance in the
United States. It is important to note that the safety of the drug is also a
concern, as improper use can lead to serious health risks. Thus, those who wish
to seek the benefits of Ayahuasca should do so under the guidance of a
qualified practitioner in a legal and safe setting.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://spiritvineretreats.com/ayahuasca-blog/what-is-ptsd-can-ayahuasca-help-for-ptsd/
https://soltara.co/ayahuasca-therapy-is-just-the-start-for-veterans-healing-from-ptsd/
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