Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Ayahuasca for Substance Use Problems - Brian Rush

Substance use treatment requires more than standard clinical interventions to address complex community needs effectively. Integrating indigenous and spiritual healing practices into broader care models can fill critical gaps in prevention and treatment services. This perspective emphasizes adapting evidence-based practices to account for the holistic, social, and spiritual aspects of recovery rather than focusing solely on narrow clinical metrics. Brian Rush highlights that successful outcomes often depend as much on the individual's context and therapeutic relationship as they do on specific clinical techniques. He advocates for research that moves beyond controlled trials to include multi-site, longitudinal studies that respect diverse cultural ways of knowing and the real-world application of treatments like ayahuasca.