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

Area of Science:

• Psychedelic Science
• Indigenous Medicine
• Addiction Treatment

Background:

• Resurging interest in psychedelic science for substance use disorders (SUDs).
• Historical and Indigenous use of entheogens as therapeutic tools for consciousness alteration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the Indigenous roots of psychedelic science in SUD management.
• To provide an intercultural, transdisciplinary perspective on entheogen-assisted therapy.

Main Methods:

• Narrative literature review on ayahuasca, peyote, psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and iboga for SUDs.
• Description of a pilot intercultural clinical program using entheogens with the Yaqui tribe.

Main Results:

• Observational and preliminary clinical data suggest therapeutic potential and safety of entheogens in controlled settings.
• Screening practices and psychotherapy are crucial complementary interventions.

Conclusions:

• Integrating entheogenic plant/fungi medicine with culturally attuned strategies shows therapeutic promise for SUDs.
• Intercultural dialogue is vital for advancing research at the intersection of entheogens, addiction, mental health, and traditional medicine.