A thesis abstract : trajectories of ayahuasca users
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic potion used by traditional Amazonian shamans and healers. It is consumed by their patients during dedicated ceremonies and induces strong Altered States of Consciousness (ASC). The beverage, resulting of the decoction of two plants including the ayahuasca liana (from which its name derives), draws its effects from a particular pharmacological composition, combining DMT (dimethyltryptamine), a hallucinogen, and alkaloids of the beta-carboline family which potentiate its action.From the phenomenological point of view, effects usually describedby usersarephysical gene discomfort, vomiting, intense emotional experiences (including terror) that may precede or accompany the deployment of altered sensory perceptions and visions which are a particularityof the ayahuasca experience. The effects can last four to six hours, depending on the dose ingested.
For a few decades the use of ayahuasca has been extended far beyond its traditional boundaries: it now affects a Western public, despite a restrictive legislative framework in most of the western countries. The development of an alternative spirituality, the interest for shamanism and for the therapeutic potential of the substance has led to new practices: thousands of westerners make the trip to Amazonia – especially to Peru or Brazil – to try the adventure, in special centers or with local shamans in indigenous villages. Spiritual or self-quest as well as search for therapeutic effects seem to be the main motivation forthese new consumers. And they usually report positive effects on their lives, even if the experience may have been emotionally difficult. Nonetheless,the psychic determinants involved in the path to ayahuascaremain unclear. The underground dynamics which lead these new consumers to embark on such expensive experience, maybe dangerous or at least psychologically risky,deserve to be investigated.In order to better understand these dimensions, individual trajectories of these users have been explored in this qualitative study: twelve persons having taken part in ayahuasca ceremonies in Amazonia or in Europe were met for semi-directive interviews. The interviews were structured around guidelines and explored the conditions of the experience of ayahuasca, the personal motivations, others previous activities or experiences aiming towards the same purpose and the changes noticed after the experience. The verbatim analysis of the interviews highlightssimilarities inthe life course of these consumers andunderlines the individual processes leading to ayahuasca. It appears that their motivations are mainly common, concerning a desire of understanding personal issues, a search for healing or for change. For all of them taking ayahuasca hasbeen an important decision, forcing them to overcome fears, and loaded with many expectations. Their way leading to ayahuasca originates in particular life circumstances and personal difficulties, singular for each participant, but leading to a similar quest of psychic, personal, relational or sometimes physical well-being. Before ayahuasca others “solutions” have been sought, with more or less success: the quest may have begun with classical psychotherapy or with marginal experiences such as sophrologia, massages, astrology,… Even if for a few participants the link between their quest (then qualified spiritual) and their personal problematic may be ignored, its existence appears clearlyin light of the biographical elements reported in the interview. So mostly, the taking of ayahuasca takes place in a series of psychotherapeutic or more or less esoteric experiences testedin order to find a better well-being and it belongs to a trajectory of care seeking. And it appears to be a decisive step in this course. Biographical turns after ayahuasca (professional changes, separations, moving…) are mentioned by the majority of the consumers. Furthermore, healings and personal changes (easier social relations, improved self-confidence, better emotional balance) are reported by many, as well as changes in terms of spirituality with new or stronger beliefs due to the particular ayahuasca experience. However, as determinant as it can be, ayahuasca stays an episode and the quest of these people has not come to an end at this point: a few remains attached to shamanic-inspired therapies, and most of them are turning to other experiences. It can be to academic psychotherapy -ayahuasca may have revealed needs for comprehension or symbolization-, or other kinds of alternative therapies or even esoteric practices. Finally, the use of ayahuasca appears to be a singular step in individual trajectories marked by an active search for an improvement of one’s well-being: the experience is usually made under strong expectations (which are probably one of the determinant of its action) and seems powerful enough to influence personal trajectories.
Mots appris:
- Altered State of Consciousness (ASC): Etat Modifié de Conscience (EMC)
- To draw its effects from: tirer ses effets de
- Far beyond its traditional boundaries: au delà de ses frontiers traditionnelles
- Restrictive legislative framework: cadre legal restrictif
- Aiming: visant
- Quest: quête