Approaches to ayahuasca-assisted therapy for Indigenous people living with addiction in the Americas: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to map and synthesize the available evidence on ayahuasca-assisted therapy for addictions and grief among Indigenous peoples in the Americas. The goal is to inform culturally grounded Indigenous treatment approaches that respect and uphold self-determination. Introduction: Psychedelic plant medicines, including ayahuasca, have been used in Indigenous healing traditions for millennia. While early Western research into psychedelic-assisted therapy was limited for decades due to legal restrictions, recent years have seen renewed scientific interest in their potential to address mental health issues and substance use disorders. Preliminary research shows promise for supporting recovery and improving psychosocial outcomes. Despite its cultural significance, ceremonial use by Indigenous peoples remains restricted in many jurisdictions, reflecting ongoing colonial impacts on traditional healing practices. Inclusion criteria: This review will consider studies involving Indigenous peoples in the Americas who are living with addictions and/or grief. The concept of interest is ceremonial ayahuasca-based treatment to support recovery or address underlying grief. Eligible studies include academic publications in English from January 1980 to August 2025. Methods: A comprehensive search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Natural Medicines, and Google Scholar. Two or more independent reviewers will screen, extract, and chart data in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. Qualitative content analysis will be applied, and results will be synthesized in tables and presented in a narrative summary to identify knowledge gaps.

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