Ayahuasca, a powerful plant medicine traditionally used by Indigenous Amazonian tribes for spiritual and medicinal purposes, has gained significant global attention over the past decade. Prominent figures such as Aaron Rodgers have publicly endorsed its transformative potential, but its rapid mainstreaming raises important questions about the risks and ethical considerations surrounding its use. Drawing from my experiences as a clinician who has participated in over 100 ayahuasca ceremonies in diverse contexts, this blog explores the potential dangers of ayahuasca and offers guidance for those considering its use.
My introduction to ayahuasca began within the Santo Daime religion, a Brazilian spiritual tradition that integrates Christianity, animism, and shamanism. The religion benefits from legal protection in many countries, including recognition at the Supreme Court level in the United States. While Santo Daime ceremonies typically involve structured rituals with hymns, white clothing, and gender-separated seating, my experience highlighted significant challenges. My mediumship tendencies often led to energetic convulsions, which were not well understood or supported within the group’s framework. Moreover, external stigma compounded the difficulties; an employer’s perception of my participation in ayahuasca ceremonies as “unstable” led to professional threats. These limitations prompted me to explore ayahuasca in more traditional, shamanic contexts.In the Peruvian Amazon, I sat with Indigenous Shipibo and Yaminahua shamans. These ceremonies, while deeply rooted in traditional practices, revealed the physical toll of such environments. The oppressive heat, relentless mosquitoes, and lack of modern comforts added layers of difficulty. In one particularly intense experience, an elder shaman’s icaro (sacred song) induced a state where I viscerally re-lived a childhood friend’s traumatic accident, convulsing for nearly 45 minutes. This left me physically and emotionally drained but also underscored ayahuasca’s potent capacity to access buried memories.
My time at a large Costa Rican retreat illustrated the risks of commercialized ayahuasca practices. With over 80 participants and minimal staff, the environment lacked the intimate, careful attention needed for such vulnerable work. During one ceremony, I sought assistance while feeling as though I was dying, only to be dismissed. The retreat’s lack of professional oversight—including an unlicensed psychologist and reports of sexual assaults—exemplifies the potential dangers of inadequately managed ayahuasca settings.
In Colombia, I encountered another challenge during a sweat lodge ceremony. As someone unaware of their claustrophobia, I found the escalating heat and confined space overwhelming. Attempts to exit were met with resistance, reflecting a cultural disregard for Western psychological concerns. My forceful escape, while necessary for my safety, highlighted the importance of self-advocacy in potentially unsafe contexts.
In some cases, shamans and medicine men exploit the vulnerability of participants. In the Sacred Valley of Peru, I worked with a well-regarded ayahuascero who claimed to have a plant medicine to address my health imbalance. Despite paying for his assistance, he later denied knowing me, revealing a disheartening lack of integrity. Similarly, at a retreat in Ecuador, inadequate psychological screening allowed a guest with severe borderline personality disorder to manipulate and traumatize others. The retreat’s “psychologist” had only a bachelor’s degree, leaving participants without proper support. Additionally, the retreat failed to disclose that most participants were from the Czech Republic, creating significant communication barriers for non-Czech speakers like myself. This lack of transparency was dangerous, as being in a vulnerable state during ayahuasca ceremonies necessitates clear communication and mutual understanding among participants and facilitators.
The most alarming experience occurred in Tulum, Mexico, where a facilitator promoted himself with many titles and irresponsibly combined ayahuasca with other substances. This dangerous practice resulted in a participant experiencing anesthesia awareness, a rare but harrowing condition where one is conscious but unable to move or communicate. Such incidents underscore the importance of verifying the qualifications and ethical standards of facilitators.
Academic literature supports these concerns. For example, a systematic review by Domínguez-Clavé et al. (2019) found that while ayahuasca may have therapeutic benefits, it can also provoke adverse effects such as dissociation, emotional instability, and exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric conditions. The study emphasized the need for proper screening and integration support to mitigate these risks. Another study by Gómez-Suárez et al. (2021) highlighted the potential for interpersonal harm in retreat settings, citing cases of unethical behavior by facilitators and inadequate preparation of participants as contributing factors.
For those considering ayahuasca, several precautions can reduce the likelihood of harm. Research beyond reviews is essential, as negative reviews can often be removed or suppressed. Speaking directly with past participants about their experiences can provide more reliable insights. It is crucial to verify the credentials of medicine men and ensure that psychologists or therapists present hold legitimate licenses. Beware of the term ‘facilitator,’ as people often use it to bypass credible medicine training or professional training. Retreats should have rigorous psychological screening processes and ceremonies should be capped at 15 participants. Seeking counseling from a transpersonal therapist before and after the experience can also help process the insights and challenges that may arise. By taking these steps, individuals can minimize the physical, psychological, and spiritual risks associated with ayahuasca ceremonies.
While ayahuasca offers profound healing potential, it also carries significant dangers, particularly in poorly managed or unethical settings. My experiences highlight the importance of careful consideration, thorough research, and professional support when engaging with this powerful medicine. As the global popularity of ayahuasca continues to rise, these safeguards are essential to ensure its use remains a tool for healing rather than harm.
Mike Bribeaux, LMFT, PhD Candidate in Integral Health, Founder, Warrior Child Healing
References
Domínguez-Clavé, E., Soler, J., Elices, M., Pascual, J. C., Fernández, C., Íbáñez-Casas, I., & Riba, J. (2019). Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential. Brain Research Bulletin, 126, 89-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.002
Gómez-Suárez, M., Romo-Parra, H., & Miranda-Ripoll, E. (2021). Ethical considerations and psychosocial risks in ayahuasca retreats: A qualitative study. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 5(3), 143-154. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2021.00054
