Traditional Medicine, Culture, and Psychedelic Science: New Pathways for Recovery From Substance Use Disorders.

Ritual uses of natural psychedelics (entheogens) such as ayahuasca, peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, 5-MeO-DMT, and iboga show therapeutic potential for substance use disorders. Observational research and preliminary clinical studies indicate these compounds are relatively safe when used with careful screening and psychotherapy. A pilot intercultural clinical program by the Yaqui tribe in Sonora, Mexico, applies some of these entheogens for addiction and mental health treatment. Integrating entheogenic medicine with culturally attuned therapy may have value, but more interdisciplinary research is needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article provides an intercultural transdisciplinary perspective on the Indigenous roots of the resurging field of psychedelic science in the management of substance use disorders (SUDs). Ritual uses of entheogens (i.e., psychedelics of natural origin) are elaborate technologies for navigating, containing, and therapeutically directing non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by these compounds. A narrative review of the literature on the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca, peyote, psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Incilius alvarius-derived 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), and iboga for the treatment of SUDs was conducted. This article also describes the application of some of these entheogens within a pilot intercultural clinical program implemented by the Yaqui tribe in Sonora, Mexico, for the treatment of SUDs and other mental health challenges. Observational research and preliminary clinical studies indicate the therapeutic potential and relative safety of these compounds in appropriate contexts, including the use of careful screening practices and complementary psychotherapeutic interventions. Preliminary research points to the potential therapeutic value of integrating entheogenic plant and fungi medicine with culturally attuned therapeutic strategies. Respectful intercultural dialogue across worldviews and scientific paradigms allows for the further development of new perspectives at the intersection of entheogens, addiction treatment, mental health, and traditional medicine. More interdisciplinary research is necessary in this field.