Western science is beginning to take note of and study the beneficial effects of ayahuasca in both traditional and clinical settings. A 2013 study by Canadian researchers linked the use of ayahuasca to a reduction in addictive tendencies to alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine[1.Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy for Addiction: Results from a Preliminary Observational Study in Canada. Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 2013. https://www.maps.org/research-archive/ayahuasca/Thomas_et_al_CDAR.pdf]. The study called for more rigorous research into ayahuasca therapy as a means of assisting with substance abuse recovery.
Other reported lasting effects of ayahuasca include a greater sense of self-empowerment, increased mindfulness, and an overall sense of well-being. These effects of ayahuasca therapy are beneficial to everyone who chooses to take an ayahuasca journey, and are especially helpful for addicts or trauma sufferers taking steps on a new road to recovery.