Ayahuasca use and improvements in suicidal behavior: An exploratory qualitative study
Nádia Valéria Moreira Santos, Cristiane Ferreira Silveira, Camila Gutieres Dos Santos Soares Costa, Helena Palavro Basso, Paulo César Ribeiro Barbosa, Paulo Rogério Morais
Psychedelics May 16, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyche.2026.100023 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractInterviews with nine Brazilian participants who took ayahuasca in neoshamanic ceremonies suggested that the experience helped reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Three themes emerged: motivations for seeking ayahuasca, strategies for strengthening psychological well-being afterward, and the perceived health benefits of the psychedelic experience itself. The ceremonial use of ayahuasca may offer a promising model of care, especially in communities with limited access to advanced medical treatment.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9 |
| Population | Adults from North and Southeast regions of Brazil who participated in ayahuasca ceremonies in neoshamanic contexts |
| Intervention | Ayahuasca |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Exploratory research Qualitative research Poison control Suicide prevention |
| Key finding | Ceremonial ayahuasca use in neoshamanic traditions was associated with reduced suicidal ideation and behavior. |
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceived effects of ayahuasca ceremonies on suicidality. Method We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with nine participants from the North and Southeast regions of Brazil. These participants were part of a larger cohort and were selected to explore their perspectives on how ceremonial experiences with ayahuasca in neoshamanic contexts influenced the reduction of suicidal ideation and behavior. Results The interviews yielded three main thematic categories related to the therapeutic process of ceremonial ayahuasca use on suicidality: (1) motivations for seeking ayahuasca; (2) post-ayahuasca strategies for strengthening psychological well-being; and (3) the psychedelic experience and its perceived health benefits. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the ceremonial use of ayahuasca within neoshamanic traditions can have positive effects on suicidality. Furthermore, these practices may represent emerging and promising psychedelic-assisted care models that may be particularly valuable for communities lacking access to advanced medical treatment.