Therapeutic potential of spirituality and mystical experiences in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Spirituality, faith, and mystical experiences play a key role in treating substance use disorders, as shown by the therapeutic community Takiwasi, which uses psychoactive plants and blends Christian with Amazonian spirituality. Other complementary and alternative medicine therapies with spiritual roots—such as Mindfulness, Holotropic Breathwork, and Yoga—also show promising potential for addiction treatment, according to a review of scientific and grey literature and an interview with Takiwasi's founder.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Objetivo. Este artículo tiene como objetivo ofrecer una descripción general del papel de la espiritualidad, de la fe y de las experiencias místicas en el tratamiento de los trastornos por uso de sustancias (TUS) presentando el caso de la comunidad terapéutica Takiwasi, donde se utilizan plantas psicoactivas, y considerando otras terapias pertenecientes a las medicinas complementarias y alternativas (MCA) que derivan de o tienen conexión con prácticas religiosas o espirituales. Metodología. La investigación se ha basado en la revisión de la literatura científica y gris y en una entrevista realizada con el presidente y fundador del Centro Takiwasi. Resultados y discusión. El sinergismo entre la espiritualidad cristiana y amazónica parece relevante dentro del protocolo Takiwasi. La literatura pone en evidencia el uso de MCA, incluyendo Mindfulness, Respiración Holotrópica y Yoga. Conclusión. La experiencia clínica muestra que la espiritualidad es un factor clave que se debe tener en cuenta en el tratamiento de la adicción y varias prácticas de MCA con connotaciones espirituales muestran un potencial prometedor para el tratamiento de los TUS.Objective. This article aims to give an overview on the role of spirituality, faith and mystical experiences in the treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) by presenting the case of the therapeutic community Takiwasi, where psychoactive plants are used, and by considering other Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies that are derived from or have connection with religious or spiritual practices. Methodology. The research has been based on the review of scientific and grey literature and on an interview performed with the president and founder of Takiwasi. Results and discussion. Synergism between Christian and Amazonian spirituality appears relevant within the Takiwasi protocol. The use of CAM including Mindfulness, Holotropic Breathwork and Yoga emerge from the literature. Conclusions. Clinical experience show that spirituality is a key factor to be taken into account when considering addiction treatment and several CAM practices with spiritual connotations show promising potential for the treatment of SUDs