Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic drug derived from a vine in South America, where it has been traditionally used by indigenous inhabitants for spiritual and healing purposes. Today, people can experience ayahuasca ceremonies by traveling to these areas or attending local ceremonies. Ayahuasca ceremonies can be an intense and deeply personal experience, and the risks and benefits should be carefully considered by anyone wishing to participate.
- Effects of ayahuasca emerge within 10 minutes to an hour of ingesting the tea and last for around four to six hours.
- Ayahuasca effects can be intense and can range from euphoric and enlightening to frightening and unpleasant.
- While many individuals report positive and lasting effects after taking ayahuasca, there is a potential for serious health and mental health risks, which may be long-lasting and require professional treatment.
How long does ayahuasca last?
Ayahuasca is traditionally administered as a tea, brewed by combining the bark of Banisteriopsis caapi and the leaves of Psychotria viridis, which contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT). This tea is consumed, and the effects begin to emerge within 10 to 60 minutes. [1][2]
It is often at this point that individuals are likely to vomit or purge. This is considered a crucial part of the ritual rather than an adverse effect and is viewed as spiritual cleansing. [3]
The peak effects can last for around two hours. During this time, it is common to experience perceptual changes, including visions and images, profound emotions, memories, distorted perceptions of time, and unusual ideas. [1][2]
Many people report experiencing unpleasant effects during the ceremony, although these are often considered a crucial part of the process. For example, someone might experience distressing emotions and thoughts relating to a personal issue, later recognizing that they feel more equipped and capable of managing this in their daily lives. [3]
The whole experience can last up to around four to six hours, although some effects can continue to be felt for many days or weeks after. [3]
What participants typically feel
Although experiences can vary from person to person, it is common for people to feel the following effects: [2][3][4]
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Shaking.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Hallucinations.
- Confusion.
- Perceptual changes, including increased brightness and colors, patterns, and images.
- Paranoia.
- Fear.
- Anxiety.
- Euphoria.
- Altered sense of time and place.
- Reliving memories.
- Premonitions or thoughts about the past and future.
- Intense emotional experiences.
Exhaustion and aftereffects
Around four hours after taking ayahuasca, the effects start to diminish, with visual images fading, leading to a feeling of physical exhaustion. People can feel particularly sensitive after, and may experience sensitivity to light or noise, lingering feelings of nausea, or emotional changes and heightened awareness. [2][3]
In the following days and weeks, people often experience a sustained change in their mindset, with many noticing enhanced emotional and cognitive functioning, as well as an improved quality of life. It may take several weeks to process the experience and learn how to integrate emotional and perceptual changes into daily life. For some, the aftereffects of ayahuasca are unpleasant and include residual changes in mood, anxiety, and perception. [2][5]
Long-term effects
Most scientific and anecdotal reports on ayahuasca use suggest that long-term serious adverse effects and risks are uncommon, despite the frequency of mild mental and physical health impacts during and after administration. Mental and physical health risks are also correlated with underlying health issues. [3]
In an online Global Ayahuasca Survey of over 10,000 individuals in 50 countries, adverse physical effects immediately following administration were reported by almost 70%, mostly involving vomiting. However, of these people, only 2.3% reported seeking medical attention for physical adverse effects, suggesting that most physical effects are transient in nature [3]
Around 12% of people experiencing adverse effects on mental health utilized professional help to manage this. Of the survey’s respondents, 88% felt that any negative psychological effects they experienced were an important part of their process of growth or integration. [3]
Serious medical and psychiatric risks
It is important to note that not everyone’s experience of ayahuasca is positive, and a small number of people experience lasting negative psychological effects, including anxiety, agitation, and aggression. [10] The most severe psychological effect of ayahuasca is reportedly the onset of psychotic episodes, which have occurred in small numbers and primarily among people with a reported psychiatric diagnosis. [3][7]
The most severe physical health effects of ayahuasca, as reported by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) National Poison Data System (NPDS), include seizures (2%), respiratory arrest (1%), and cardiac arrest (1%). Five fatalities have been reported following ayahuasca use. [6][10]
Setting and preparation: How environment and preparation influence experiences
It is widely recognized that the setting in which a substance, particularly psychedelic substances, is used can greatly influence the experience and outcomes. This can include: [2][4][8]
- The environment: Sounds, colors, smells, and other environmental factors can impact the individual’s comfort and mood during the experience.
- Guide or facilitator: People taking ayahuasca have traditionally been guided by a shaman or curandero, who helps to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants and can provide a spiritual or healing approach to the experience.
- Mindset: It is important to enter this experience with the right mindset, such as feeling positive and open-minded.
- Intention: Setting an intention can include considering personal reasons for engaging in this practice and preparing for the potential thoughts and introspections that can occur. This can help to provide a focus for the experience and influence positive outcomes.
Harm reduction
Those who wish to experience ayahuasca may benefit from researching the different types of ceremonial experiences available. It is a good idea to establish whether the center or facilitator offering the experience is reputable, trusted, and experienced. It may be helpful to find out about their process, including how they screen individuals, facilitate the ceremony, and provide support during and after the experience.
Additionally, it is recommended to consider individual risk factors before using ayahuasca. People should avoid ayahuasca (or at least seek medical advice before using) if they have: [4][9]
- A history of psychotic or manic conditions.
- A history of heart, liver, or kidney issues.
- Recently or currently been taking an antidepressant medication or other serotonergic substance, as this can cause serotonin syndrome.
Ayahuasca can create intense and introspective experiences, which can be distressing and overwhelming. Preparing for the ceremony can help to enhance this experience, such as considering intentions and mindset to enter the experience feeling calm and open-minded. [8]
The participant should respect the medicine, understanding its spiritual and healing properties, and that the process varies for everyone. It is important to feel comfortable with the facilitator and to follow their instructions and guidance throughout. [2][8]
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