
Users of the Amazonian psychedelic ayahuasca, a substance gaining popularity for its healing properties, are reporting exclusion from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. At least five individuals recovering from alcoholism shared their experiences of ostracization with The Post.
Jennifer Bruce, a recovering alcoholic who turned to ayahuasca to confront past traumas, described being verbally attacked at AA meetings. “When I picked up a chip for my sobriety, people yelled that I had relapsed and should return the chip,” Bruce recounted, describing the hostile environment that led her to tears.
The tension arises from AA’s total abstinence philosophy. While AA officially takes no position on external matters and its co-founder Bill Wilson experimented with LSD, some members view any use of mind-altering substances as a breach of sobriety.
Michele Medal, who has been in recovery for 20 years and runs multiple psychedelic businesses, argues that psychedelics like ayahuasca offer deep, cellular-level healing. “This is not about using a mind-altering substance for anything. This is about healing at a cellular level,” Medal stated, asserting that true healing can eradicate addiction.
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew traditionally used in Amazonian rituals, is popular among celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Megan Fox. Advocates claim it is non-addictive and used for medicinal and spiritual purposes rather than escapism.
Psychedelics remain heavily regulated in the United States, though states like Oregon and Colorado have legalized certain uses. Legislation is pending in other states, including New Jersey, though similar efforts in New York have stalled.
Erin V., who attended a shaman-led ayahuasca retreat in Peru, chose to leave AA meetings out of fear of rejection. “I was afraid of being banished,” she admitted, reflecting a sentiment shared by many psychedelic users in recovery.
Vanessa Crites, a long-term recovery advocate who uses psychedelics, highlighted the issue on LinkedIn. “Members are being punished and expelled from their recovery groups and fellowships due to ignorance, judgment, and misinformation,” she wrote. Despite this, Crites continues to participate in mainstream 12-step programs while using psychedelic medicines.
AA maintains that it does not expel members, according to a spokesperson, and claims to have no position on the use of psychedelics. However, the experiences of Bruce and others suggest a growing divide within the recovery community over the acceptance of alternative therapies like ayahuasca. As the debate continues, those advocating for psychedelic use are calling for more understanding and less judgment within the recovery space.