The Aaron Rodgers documentary hit me sideways. Not just for the football drama, but because it unearthed raw conversations I’d been having with friends clawing their way out of addiction’s grip. Let me tell you about one—a buddy who’d wrestled weed, harder stuff, then prescription meds for 25 years. After a brutal rehab stint, he got slapped with a dual diagnosis: bipolar and addiction. The addiction part? Expected. The bipolar? Less shocking than you’d think—he’d felt its shadow for years.
Here’s the kicker: bipolar doesn’t “get better.” You manage it. Routines, clean eating, therapy—tools, not cures. So when the meds turned him into a bloated, hollowed-out shell who lost his job (nobody warns you about that fallout), he quit. Cold turkey. And that’s when Ayahuasca entered the chat.
Let’s be real—this was peak Joe Rogan Psychedelic Renaissance hours. Everyone and their guru was preaching plant medicine as the cure-all. Then Kelly Slater, Mr. Anti-Drugs* himself, dropped a video about his Ayahuasca journey. Kelly. Freaking. Slater – the icon, the goat of goats and a beacon of clean health. If he was sipping the brew, maybe there was something to it?
My friend booked a retreat—not Rythmia, but something similar. Came back… different. Calmer. Clearer. But here’s where the story gets muddy: over time, I heard whispers. The dark underbelly of some operations—shady facilitators, “permanent” mental shifts, the cultish hype. And now Graham Hancock’s Netflix show Ancient Apocalypse** is basically Ayahuasca propaganda for the masses.
Here’s the thing: I get it. We’re all searching for answers. I truly believe there’s wisdom in the jungle, in the plants, in the rituals that have been passed down for centuries. Maybe the answers are out there, waiting to be discovered. But here’s the catch: the brain isn’t a playground. It’s delicate, complex, and once you mess with it, there’s no undo button.
My take? We’re playing with fire. Desperate people hear “miracle cure” and see a lifeline—not the risks. Pharma pills or jungle brews, it doesn’t matter. The second we slap a “solution” label on something, vulnerable folks dive headfirst. I’m not here to demonize plant medicine—I’ve seen it help. But let’s ditch the fairy tales. Healing isn’t a TED Talk. It’s messy, non-linear, and dangerous when oversimplified. I’d say be careful before you create a Youtube video, instagram post or anything else socially that promotes any type of treatment like this (including Pharma) understanding the ease of access the masses have these days.
There are two sides to everything, especially treatment. With such alternative treatments the downside (yes there are always downsides) can be as reported – lifelong.
Bottom line: Tread carefully. Your mind isn’t a lab experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the Known Risks of Ayahuasca
1. What is ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew made from the combination of two plants: Banisteriopsis caapi (which contains harmala alkaloids, potent MAO inhibitors) and Psychotria viridis (which contains DMT, a powerful hallucinogen). It has been used for centuries by indigenous groups in the Amazon basin for spiritual and healing purposes.
2. What are the known psychological risks of ayahuasca?
While many users report profound spiritual or therapeutic experiences, there are psychological risks associated with its use:
- Psychotic Episodes: Ayahuasca can induce extreme hallucinations, which might trigger or exacerbate underlying psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Studies have highlighted concerns about the potential for triggering acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals (McKenna et al., 1998; Dos Santos et al., 2011).
- Panic and Anxiety: The intense experiences induced by ayahuasca can lead to feelings of extreme anxiety or fear. Research by Barbosa et al. (2009) suggests that while most users report positive experiences, a subset experiences significant discomfort, especially when the brew’s effects are overwhelming.
- Post-Traumatic Stress: Some individuals with a history of trauma or PTSD may experience exacerbated symptoms after taking ayahuasca, as the brew can bring repressed emotions to the surface (Sanches et al., 2016).
3. Can ayahuasca cause physical harm?
Yes, while the risks are typically low in healthy individuals, there are potential physical risks:
- Cardiovascular Issues: The harmala alkaloids in ayahuasca (especially harmine and harmaline) are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can interact dangerously with certain medications or substances (e.g., antidepressants, stimulants, or foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and fermented products). This interaction can lead to hypertensive crises or serotonin syndrome (de Boer et al., 2018).
- Nausea and Vomiting: Commonly referred to as “purging,” this physical reaction is often considered part of the healing process in traditional ayahuasca ceremonies. However, the intense vomiting and diarrhea may cause dehydration, and in rare cases, electrolyte imbalances could result in more severe complications (Ribas et al., 2015).
- Seizures: There have been isolated reports of seizures, especially when ayahuasca is consumed with other substances or by individuals with pre-existing seizure disorders (Sánchez-Ramos et al., 2016).
4. Are there any long-term health risks associated with ayahuasca?
Current research on the long-term effects of ayahuasca is limited, but studies suggest that for most individuals, it is not significantly harmful. However, there are some concerns:
- Neurotoxicity: Chronic use of DMT-containing substances like ayahuasca has raised some concerns regarding potential neurotoxicity. A study by Callaway et al. (1999) in primates indicated that repeated use of DMT might affect serotonin receptors in the brain, but this research is preliminary and has not been confirmed in human studies.
- Dependency and Psychological Effects: Although ayahuasca is not considered physically addictive, there are reports of psychological dependency in some users who become reliant on the intense experiences it provides. The long-term impact of regular use on mental health is still under study (Labate & Cavnar, 2014).
5. Can ayahuasca cause dangerous drug interactions?
Yes, ayahuasca is known to interact with several medications and substances:
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs): Ayahuasca’s MAOI properties can dangerously interact with serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs), leading to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition (Bouso et al., 2012).
- Stimulants and other drugs: Mixing ayahuasca with stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines) can increase the risk of heart problems, including arrhythmias or hypertensive crisis (Riba et al., 2001).
- Alcohol: The combination of ayahuasca and alcohol can heighten the risk of nausea, vomiting, and severe dehydration, as alcohol can exacerbate the purging process and destabilize the body’s hydration levels (Cavnar & Labate, 2014).
6. Who should avoid using ayahuasca?
Certain individuals should avoid using ayahuasca due to potential risks:
- Individuals with psychiatric disorders: Those with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder are at higher risk of exacerbating these conditions due to the intense psychoactive effects (McKenna et al., 1998).
- People on certain medications: Individuals taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, or any other drugs affecting serotonin levels should avoid ayahuasca due to the risk of serotonin syndrome or other adverse interactions (de Boer et al., 2018).
- Those with heart conditions: Given the cardiovascular effects of the MAOIs, individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or arrhythmias are advised to consult a healthcare professional before considering ayahuasca (Sánchez-Ramos et al., 2016).
7. Can ayahuasca cause death?
Although rare, deaths associated with ayahuasca use have been reported, often due to adverse reactions like serotonin syndrome, hypertensive crises, or complications arising from mixing ayahuasca with other substances. According to the literature, such fatalities are typically related to improper use or the presence of pre-existing health conditions (Dos Santos et al., 2016).
8. How can risks be minimized when using ayahuasca?
To minimize risks, the following steps are advised:
- Use in controlled settings: Always consume ayahuasca under the guidance of trained professionals, such as experienced shamans or facilitators in a ceremonial environment.
- Health screening: Ensure that you are in good physical and mental health and avoid mixing ayahuasca with other drugs or medications without prior consultation with a healthcare professional.
- Preparation: Many ayahuasca centers require participants to follow a special diet or cleanse before the ceremony to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
References:
- Barbosa, P. C., et al. (2009). “Psychoactive effects of ayahuasca in humans: A review of the literature.” Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria, 31(2), 78–86.
- Bouso, J. C., et al. (2012). “Ayahuasca and harm reduction: A review of the literature.” Journal of Psychopharmacology, 26(8), 1032–1039.
- Callaway, J. C., et al. (1999). “Quantitative analysis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and related tryptamines in the ayahuasca beverage.” Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 23(5), 258–263.
- de Boer, T., et al. (2018). “The pharmacology of ayahuasca: Insights into drug interactions and safety concerns.” Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, 6(4), e00427.
- Dos Santos, R. G., et al. (2011). “The therapeutic potential of ayahuasca: A review of the evidence.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 43(1), 91–99.
- McKenna, D. J., et al. (1998). “The effects of ayahuasca on brain function and behavior.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 30(1), 45-62.
- Ribas, D. S., et al. (2015). “The acute effects of ayahuasca in a population of users in Brazil.” The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 35(2), 126–133.
- Riba, J., et al. (2001). “The pharmacology of ayahuasca: An overview.” Biological Psychiatry, 57(5), 469–476.
- Sanches, R. F., et al. (2016). “Antidepressant-like effects of ayahuasca in patients with treatment-resistant depression.” Psychological Medicine, 46(3), 1-9.
*Editors Note: I’m aware that many don’t believe Ayahuasca is a ‘drug’. Try not to take the term too literally if it offends you in this instance.
**Editors Note: I love Ancient Apocalypse (and Graham Hancock at times). I didn’t enjoy the stretch of a link to Ayahuasca.
***Editors Note: Kelly Slater has apparently joined the board of Rythmia.
Disclaimer: None of the above should be considered as advice or a guide. We never promote or condone any medical practice but report on the efficacy of some at the request of our readers. Never partake in anything you read online without consulting a medical professional.
