Have there been any deaths in ayahuasca ceremonies?
Are there any deaths known to have occurred due to ayahuasca? What caused the death during such an ayahuasca ceremony?
People sometimes die after taking ayahuasca
Ayahuasca, the traditional plant medicine from the Amazon region, is used worldwide for spiritual growth and emotional healing. At the same time, there are reports of deaths associated with ayahuasca ceremonies. In this article, we will delve deeper into the question: “Are there any deaths known to be caused by ayahuasca? What caused the death during such an ayahuasca ceremony?” We discuss what the available data and studies tell us, highlight an example from the Netherlands, and explain why alternative, safer ceremonies – such as truffle and psilocybin ceremonies – are increasingly gaining popularity.
Some well-known deaths caused by ayahuasca
In the Netherlands, there have been several incidents in which participants in ayahuasca ceremonies have died, such as in Eersel (April 2019), In which a 31-year-old Hungarian man died after an ayahuasca session, in Haarlem (November 2019), where again a participant lost their life at a ceremony organized by the same organization, and in IJzendijke (September 2018), In which a 34-year-old man from Oudewater died during a healing session with ayahuasca, with the judiciary stating that violence may have played a role.
The most recent case in the Netherlands concerns the death of 35-year-old Tinne Geuens from Antwerp. She died during a ‘healing weekend’ in which ayahuasca and hallucinogenic mushrooms were consumed, among other things. Two Dutch nationals were previously charged in connection with this.
Mortality rates until 2022
The media pointed out a link between ayahuasca and 58 deaths between 2010 and 2022. Importantly, there is no clear evidence that the drink itself causes death directly. Other factors often play a crucial role as well, such as:
- Insecure combinations: The MAO inhibitors in ayahuasca can cause serious reactions in combination with certain medications or foods (for example, foods high in tyramine).
- Incorrect dosages or inexperienced guidance: Improper preparation or the lack of a safe and controlled setting can lead to complications.
- Additional resources: In some cases, other psychoactive substances or alcohol played a role, compromising the overall safety of the ceremony.
Safer alternatives: truffle and psilophlora preparations
For those seeking spiritual or therapeutic experiences with psychedelics, truffle and psiloflora ceremonies can offer a safer alternative.
Truffel ceremonies: Psilocybin mushrooms are legal in the Netherlands and are known for their predictable dosage and effects. They offer deep introspective experiences and are considered safer than ayahuasca, especially when guided by experienced professionals.
Psiloflora Ceremonies: These ceremonies combine psilocybin truffles with certain MAO-inhibiting plants to deepen the experience. Although MAO inhibitors are used, the risks are better controlled and the effects more predictable than with ayahuasca.
At Bij, we Triptherapie offer professional guidance for both truffle and psilocybin ceremonies. Our focus is on safety, personal guidance, and integrating the experience so that participants can benefit in a responsible way from the benefits of psychedelic therapy.
Conclusion
Although ayahuasca can offer valuable insights for some, the potential risks are significant, including the risk of death. For those seeking similar therapeutic experiences with a better safety profile, truffle and psiloflora ceremonies can be a suitable alternative. It is recommended to always seek experienced and professional guidance when exploring these substances.