A case study evaluates the possible role of ayahuasca use in a religious context as an aid in reducing the abuse of psychoactive substances. An open interview was conducted with a regular user of cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol who stopped this behavior after coming into contact with ayahuasca in a ritualized setting. The case was analyzed by comparing it with existing literature. A relationship was traced between the start of ayahuasca use and the interviewee's abandonment of cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol, based on the evaluation of symbolic representations and descriptions of her first experiences with the beverage.
The use of psychoactive substances by humans is an ancient practice, present in diverse cultures for magical-religious, political, therapeutic, and aphrodisiac purposes. The collection of 14 articles emphasizes the existence of effective informal social controls—sanctions, rules, values, and rituals—governing the use of these substances, contrasting with state, police, and medical controls that are alien to cultural idiosyncrasies and more harmful than beneficial.