What is ayahuasca and why is it dangerous? – Online Psychologists

The ayahuasca It is a drink prepared from plants native to the Amazon. In this area of ​​South America, shamans consider it a natural medicine capable of curing certain psychological problems. Its followers claim that it can cure anxiety, depression and even addictions.

Although taking it causes vomiting and hallucinations, ayahuasca is a hit among celebrities. Famous people such as Lindsay Lohan and Miley Cyrus have confessed to having consumed this curious concoction, which, according to them, helped them improve their health.

However, There is no scientific evidence to support its medicinal properties.

Why should ayahuasca be avoided?

The popularity of this substance has increased considerably in recent years. Rituals performed at the Rythmia Center in Costa Rica can cost up to 5,000 dollars. And everything indicates that this infusion is beginning to reach Spain.

However, there are several Reasons why it is recommended to avoid its consumption:

  • Contains DMT, a psychotropic substance present in some plants that causes hallucinations, euphoria, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and paranoia.
  • It can cause negative changes at the brain level.
  • It is related to the development of disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.
  • There have been reported cases of people dying after consuming ayahuasca.
  • Hallucinations cause a state of helplessness, which has been linked on several occasions to robbery and sexual abuse.
  • The consumption of DMT is prohibited in Spain.
  • Experts point out that many of its supposed benefits are actually a product of the placebo effect.
  • Shamanic ceremonies that have this substance as their protagonist are not usually under any type of regulation. That is, unlike medical or psychological treatments, these are outside the law.
  • It is incompatible with the consumption of antidepressants. If mixed, it can cause serious health problems.

Ayahuasca advocates argue that consuming it opens the doors to parts of the brain that were previously locked away. This leads them to rediscover and process traumatic moments that, until then, had weighed down their lives.

However, psychological therapy has the ability to achieve the same effect through the joint work of the patient and the therapist. Some branches of psychology, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, are dedicated specifically to modifying the thoughts that hinder our lives.

Others, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, help develop mental flexibility. In this way, it is easier to process negative emotions and avoid suffering.

If you suffer from anxiety, depression or any other psychological problem, you should know that going to therapy, either in the traditional way or through an online psychologist, can help you.

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What is the legal status of ayahuasca in Spain?

You should know that lAyahuasca is not prohibited in Spain. In fact, not a single mention of this substance was made in the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This international treaty, signed by members of the United Nations, aimed to classify psychotropic substances into several groups.

However, one of the plants used to prepare ayahuasca is chacruna. Chacruna contains DMT and, as you might expect, DMT is subject to control in our country.

In fact, possession of DMT products is considered a crime against public health and can lead to fines of thousands of euros.

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