Does Ayahuasca Increase Anxiety?

The flickering glow of candles illuminates a jungle maloca, where the rhythmic chants of a shaman weave through the humid air. Participants sit in a circle, sipping a bitter brew that promises profound insights—or, for some, a confrontation with their deepest fears. This is ayahuasca, a sacred Amazonian plant medicine revered for its ability to unlock emotional healing and spiritual awakening. Yet, as its global popularity grows, so does a critical question: Does ayahuasca increase anxiety?

For those considering an ayahuasca retreat, this question carries weight. The brew’s reputation for intense, transformative experiences can spark both curiosity and apprehension, especially for those already navigating anxiety. In this in-depth exploration, we unravel the complex interplay between ayahuasca and anxiety, blending cutting-edge research, firsthand accounts, and practical guidance. Our goal is to empower you with clarity, helping you decide if an ayahuasca retreat is the right step on your healing journey.

What Is Ayahuasca, and Why Does Anxiety Matter?

Ayahuasca is a ceremonial brew crafted from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves, which contain DMT, a potent psychedelic compound. Guided by skilled shamans in retreat settings, it induces vivid visions, emotional purges, and introspective revelations. For many, it’s a gateway to healing trauma, depression, or addiction. But its intensity raises concerns about anxiety, a condition affecting millions globally.

Anxiety can manifest as racing thoughts, physical tension, or fear of the unknown—sensations that ayahuasca’s immersive experience might amplify. Understanding whether the brew exacerbates or alleviates anxiety is crucial for anyone weighing the decision to attend a retreat. Let’s explore the factors that make anxiety a common concern during ayahuasca ceremonies.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca doesn’t just open a door to your psyche; it flings it wide open. Here’s why anxiety often surfaces:

Unveiling Hidden Fears: The brew can unearth suppressed emotions, from childhood trauma to existential dread. Facing these head-on can feel like staring into an emotional abyss, triggering anxiety in the moment.
Loss of Control: Ayahuasca demands surrender, a challenge for those who rely on control to manage anxiety. The unpredictability of visions or physical sensations like nausea can heighten unease.
Amplified Sensations: During ceremonies, heightened heart rate or body warmth—normal physiological responses—may be mistaken for panic, especially in unfamiliar jungle or retreat settings.
Post-Ceremony Processing: After the brew’s effects fade, integrating profound insights can stir temporary anxiety if not supported by skilled facilitators or community.

These factors don’t mean ayahuasca inherently worsens anxiety, but they highlight why the experience can feel daunting. To understand its true impact, let’s turn to science.

The Science Behind Ayahuasca and Anxiety

While ayahuasca’s traditional use spans centuries, modern research is shedding light on its effects on mental health, including anxiety. The findings paint a nuanced picture: ayahuasca can both provoke and reduce anxiety, depending on timing, context, and individual factors.

How Ayahuasca May Reduce Anxiety

Emerging studies suggest ayahuasca holds promise as a tool for long-term anxiety relief:

Rewiring the Brain: A 2018 study found ayahuasca enhances neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections that support emotional resilience. This can weaken the neural patterns fueling chronic anxiety.
Serotonin Boost: Ayahuasca’s interaction with serotonin receptors mirrors the effects of antidepressants. A 2020 clinical trial reported significant anxiety reduction in participants with treatment-resistant depression after just one session.
Trauma Release: By facilitating emotional catharsis, ayahuasca helps process trauma—a root cause of anxiety. Participants in a 2019 study described feeling “unburdened” after ceremonies, with lasting reductions in anxiety symptoms.

These findings align with ayahuasca’s traditional use as a healing tool, suggesting it can reframe anxiety as a doorway to growth rather than a barrier.

When Ayahuasca Might Heighten Anxiety

The brew’s intensity can also stir anxiety, particularly in the short term:

Acute Overwhelm: During ceremonies, the flood of emotions and visions can feel like a tidal wave. A 2016 study noted that some participants experienced temporary panic, often tied to confronting unresolved fears.
Vulnerability in Certain Conditions: Those with severe anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, may find the brew’s intensity challenging without robust preparation. Pre-existing conditions can amplify acute effects.
Setting Matters: An unsafe or chaotic retreat environment—lacking skilled facilitators or cultural respect—can escalate anxiety. A serene, supportive setting is non-negotiable.

The Bigger Picture: Short-Term Challenge, Long-Term Gain

The data leans toward a hopeful conclusion: while ayahuasca may spike anxiety during ceremonies, it often leads to sustained relief. A 2021 study tracked participants six months post-retreat and found significant drops in anxiety scores, especially when paired with integration practices like therapy or group sharing. The key is navigating the acute phase with support to unlock lasting benefits.

Voices from the Circle: Real Retreat Experiences

Science offers insights, but the stories of retreat participants bring ayahuasca’s impact to life. These accounts, drawn from diverse voices, reveal the spectrum of anxiety-related experiences:

A Moment of Fear, a Lifetime of Clarity: Maria, a 34-year-old teacher, attended a retreat in Peru. “The first ceremony was terrifying—my heart raced, and I thought I was losing myself. But the shaman’s songs grounded me. By the third night, I felt a calm I hadn’t known in years. My daily anxiety hasn’t vanished, but it’s quieter now.”
Confronting the Root: James, a 42-year-old veteran, joined a Costa Rican retreat to address PTSD. “Ayahuasca forced me to face memories I’d buried. It was raw, and yes, I felt anxious during the visions. But afterward, I could breathe deeper. My therapist says I’m processing emotions I’d numbed for decades.”
The Power of Guidance: Lena, a 29-year-old artist, emphasized the facilitator’s role. “I was nervous going in, but the retreat’s team checked in before, during, and after. When anxiety hit, their presence made it feel safe to let go. I left feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.”

These stories highlight a pattern: anxiety during ayahuasca ceremonies is often a fleeting hurdle, not the destination. Skilled facilitators and a supportive environment turn challenges into breakthroughs.

Crafting a Low-Anxiety Ayahuasca Experience

If you’re drawn to ayahuasca but wary of anxiety, intentional preparation can transform your retreat into a healing journey. Here are five expert-backed strategies to minimize anxiety and maximize benefits.

1. Select a Retreat with Integrity

The retreat you choose shapes your experience. Prioritize centers with a proven track record, cultural reverence, and participant-focused care. Look for:

Shamans trained in traditional practices, ideally with ties to Amazonian lineages.
Small groups (8-12 participants) for personalized support.
Thorough medical and psychological screenings to ensure safety.

Explore vetted options through trusted platforms like Best Retreats to find sanctuaries in serene settings, from Amazonian jungles to coastal havens.

2. Build a Strong Foundation Beforehand

Preparation is your shield against anxiety:

Clarify Your Why: Journal about your intentions—whether it’s healing trauma or seeking spiritual connection. A clear purpose anchors you during intense moments.
Learn the Landscape: Familiarize yourself with ayahuasca’s effects through reputable sources. Our “Am I Ready” Checklist offer guides on what to expect.
Cultivate Calm: Practice meditation, yoga, or deep breathing in the weeks leading up to the retreat to build emotional resilience.

3. Optimize Your Mindset and Environment

The concept of “set and setting” is paramount in psychedelics:

Mindset: Approach the ceremony with openness, not fear. Visualize it as a journey of discovery, trusting the process.
Setting: Choose a retreat with a tranquil ambiance—think lush forests or oceanfront lodges. Natural surroundings and sacred spaces, like candlelit malocas, soothe the nervous system.

4. Commit to Integration

Integration turns insights into lasting change, preventing post-ceremony anxiety:

Seek Support: Engage with retreat-provided integration circles or therapists familiar with psychedelics.
Reflect Deeply: Journal about your visions and emotions to process their meaning.
Connect with Community: Join online forums or local groups to share experiences and feel supported.

5. Consult a Professional

If you live with anxiety or other mental health conditions, consult a therapist or doctor before booking. They can assess whether ayahuasca aligns with your needs and recommend coping tools, like grounding techniques, to use during ceremonies.

Honoring Ayahuasca’s Roots

Ayahuasca is more than a psychedelic—it’s a sacred medicine woven into the cultural fabric of Amazonian communities. Engaging with it demands respect. Choose retreats that collaborate with indigenous practitioners, support local economies, and reject exploitative practices. This not only ensures an authentic experience but also honors the plant’s legacy, fostering a deeper connection to its healing power.