Prior Ayahuasca Use Linked to Unexpected Mental‑Health Trends

Unexpected Links Between Experience and Well‑Being

In September 2026, a team of researchers examined 808 Brazilian adults who had scheduled participation in ayahuasca ceremonies. The study compared first‑time attendees with those who had attended before, looking at mood, stress, spirituality, substance use and beliefs about consciousness. The findings reveal a pattern that scientists cannot yet explain.

The study was cross‑sectional and involved participants from several cities across Brazil. Researchers collected data through questionnaires administered before the ceremonies. They measured depression and anxiety scores, perceived stress, spiritual well‑being, prior substance use, and attitudes toward consciousness and the afterlife. The goal was to determine whether experience with ayahuasca changes psychological and spiritual profiles.

Participants with prior ayahuasca experience reported lower levels of depression and anxiety than first‑time users. They also scored higher on measures of spiritual connectedness and reported feeling less stressed. However, the same group also showed a higher tendency to use other substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, compared to novices. This dual pattern—better mood but increased substance use—confounds simple explanations.

What Does This Mean for Future Research?

Researchers noted that experienced users tended to hold more elaborate beliefs about consciousness, often describing it as a fluid, evolving state rather than a fixed entity. In contrast, first‑time participants were more likely to view consciousness as a fixed, mystical experience. The data suggest that repeated ayahuasca exposure may foster a more flexible, less dogmatic worldview.

Despite the clear differences, the study could not establish causality. It remains unclear whether prior ayahuasca use leads to better mood and spiritual well‑being, or whether individuals who are already more open and less depressed are simply more likely to return for additional ceremonies. The researchers called for longitudinal studies that track participants over time to untangle these relationships.

Additionally, the increased substance use among experienced users raises concerns about potential substitution or compounding risks. The team emphasized the need for integrated support for users, especially those who may use alcohol or tobacco alongside ayahuasca. Future work should also explore whether the observed mental‑health benefits persist after the ceremonial experience ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why might experienced users feel less stressed? A1: Repeated exposure to ayahuasca may enhance coping mechanisms and promote a sense of spiritual grounding, which can reduce perceived stress.

Q2: Does the study suggest ayahuasca is safe for everyone? A2: No. While some users report improved mood, the increased use of other substances among experienced participants indicates that ayahuasca is not a universal panacea and may carry risks.

Q3: What is the next step for scientists studying ayahuasca? A3: Researchers plan to conduct longitudinal studies that follow participants before and after multiple ceremonies, aiming to clarify causality and long‑term outcomes.