Ayahuasca and Public Health III: Health Status of a Sample of Ayahuasca Ceremony Attenders in Portugal
About the study
This study explores the health status, lifestyle behaviors, and psychosocial well-being of people who have participated in ayahuasca ceremonies in Portugal, offering one of the first datasets in this national context. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 203 adults, findings show that participants generally report good or very good health, alongside lower rates of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol when compared to national population data.
Beyond physical health indicators, participants also report patterns consistent with healthier lifestyles. These include higher levels of physical activity, lower alcohol consumption, and a strong perception of social support. Psychological measures further point toward greater life satisfaction, reduced depressive symptoms, and more adaptive coping strategies. Many respondents attribute positive lifestyle changes — including reduced substance use and lower reliance on prescription medication — to their experiences in ayahuasca ceremonies.
While these findings align with previous international research, the authors emphasize the need for caution in interpretation. The cross-sectional design does not allow causal conclusions, and self-selection may play a role in the observed outcomes. Nevertheless, the results contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that ceremonial ayahuasca use, when embedded in supportive contexts, may be associated with beneficial health behaviors and well-being — opening relevant questions for public health, harm reduction, and future regulatory approaches.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian psychoactive brew, has gained increasing attention for its potential health benefits; however, no previous research has investigated its use in Portugal. This study aims to evaluate the health status, lifestyle behaviors, and psychosocial well-being of Portuguese ayahuasca users, comparing their self-reported health indicators with population norms. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 203 Portuguese adults who have participated in ayahuasca ceremonies. Participants completed validated measures assessing general health status, mental health, coping strategies, and social support. Results were compared to national health survey data. Ayahuasca users perceive their health as good or very good, with lower rates of chronic disease and obesity compared to the general population. Participants also report greater physical activity levels, lower alcohol consumption, and enhanced psychological well-being. A substantial proportion of users attributed positive lifestyle changes, reductions in substance use, and lower reliance on prescription medication to their ayahuasca experiences. Results reinforce previous research linking ayahuasca use to health and well-being, showing that ceremony attenders in Portugal display a range of beneficial lifestyle behaviors and health indicators. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to better understand the causal pathways linking ayahuasca use to health outcomes and explore potential public health implications.
