Fighting an Ayahuasca Addiction?

All psychoactive substances have the potential for abuse. Substance abuse disorders are relatively common, with more than 10% of Americans meeting the criteria for a substance abuse disorder annually. Addiction is also deadly, as overdoses are now the most common cause of accidental death in the United States. Addiction is a chronic condition, which means it will progressively become worse until you receive proper treatment. Hallucinogenic drugs like Ayahuasca can lead to addiction. Ayahuasca addiction requires addiction therapy services in order to fully recover from.

What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a plant that can cause hallucinogenic effects when it is brewed into a drink. The Ayahuasca plant is legal in the United States but the psychoactive drink is banned. The drink contains DMT, which is a powerful hallucinogenic. Ayahuasca can cause:

• Disorientation
• Depersonalization
• Visual and auditory hallucination
• Dizziness
• Muscle spasms
• Hot and cold flushes

Ayahuasca and DMT addiction can develop after recreational use. The effects can change your thinking patterns and impair your judgment. During Ayahuasca intoxication, you can have intense hallucinations and confusion. DMT is the main active ingredient in Ayahuasca and is also considered a Schedule 1 drug. Schedule 1 drugs have no medical benefit, a high risk of abuse and are illegal to sell, possess and manufacture.

Long-term abuse of Ayahuasca can cause cognitive and mood problems. Ayahuasca use can also worsen underlying medical and mental health disorders. Since Ayahuasca causes neurotransmitter imbalances, abusing it can drastically worsen co-occurring mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Ayahuasca Addiction

Whenever you abuse Ayahuasca, your brain releases a rush of pleasurable neurotransmitters. Ayahuasca addiction occurs when your brain becomes dependent on Ayahuasca in order to release neurotransmitters. Whenever you use Ayahuasca, your brain releases excessive amounts of neurotransmitters. When you refuse to use Ayahuasca, your brain restricts the release of neurotransmitters and causes intense cravings.

You can also experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using and have an Ayahuasca addiction. Addiction treatment can include both inpatient and outpatient care center options. You can choose to attend a medically supervised detox program, which can help alleviate your symptoms and make withdrawal more comfortable. Detox symptoms can last for several days.

Ayahuasca addiction therapy services can include cognitive and dialectic behavioral therapy. Cognitive and dialectic behavioral therapy helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns, emotions and behaviors. Treatment centers also help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and strategies. Finding ways to cope with triggers and cravings is an important part of recovery. As many as half of all people in recovery relapse at least once. Constructing relapse prevention and aftercare plan can greatly reduce your risk of relapsing.

Treatment Options

If you or a loved one is battling an Ayahuasca addiction, finding help is the first step in the recovery process. The treatment provides you with the support, guidance, tools, and education you need to overcome addiction. Contact us today at 866.605.0532 to learn more about your treatment options and the steps you need to take to fully recover.