There are plenty of stories about deaths involving the visionary brew ayahuasca, but almost none of these deaths are actually attributed to consuming the ayahuasca itself but rather from circumstances or events that occurred pre- or post-consumption. Still, these stories certainly offer cause for concern. It is always a tragedy when someone dies unexpectedly and with ayahuasca popularity and accessibility on the rise, there will likely be more scenarios where lives are at risk due to either negligent providers, uniformed participants or avoidable accidents. 

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In the last few years, there have been international headlines along the like of 'Tourist dies at ayahuasca retreat' or ' Tourist dies after taking psychedelic drug' - but these headlines only tell part of the truth, the details revealed in the articles show that many times, ayahausca has very little to do with the death associated with it. 

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Still, there must always be consideration when life is lost, and many of these deaths could have been prevented with proper education and safety practices. One of the things we do at New Life Ayahuasca Costa Rica to ensure participant safety is complete a thorough medical screening with every participant before the are accepted for the retreat.

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One of the questions we ask is in regard to medication – specifically antidepressants. In an age where it seems everyone suffers from some degree of depression or anxiety, prescription antidepressants – SSRI’s, SSNI’s MAOI’s, etc, are prevelant. These types of medications have a severe interaction with ayahuasca and can not be combined, yet when we inform potential participants of the interaction, many are shocked to learn they cannot drink ayahuasca while taking anti-depressant medication. The result could be serotonin syndrome, which in its worst-case scenario can cause death.

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Yet still, many ayahuasca centers do not require participants to complete a medical background or disclose medications or other diagnosis. Another thing we are looking for a history of psychosis, suicidal tendencies, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Ayahuasca can make some of these conditions worse, and it is not advised that anyone currently suffering from any of these conditions consume ayahuasca.

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Other things to consider are heart health as ayahuasca can affect blood pressure levels, liver health, as that is where ayahuasca is processed and substance abuse disorders. Ayahuasca combined with recreational or other prescription drugs can be a recipe for disaster.

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In other cases, ayahuasca death has occured from participating in a common pre-ceremony ritual of drinking tobacco tea, a purgative designed to clean the system before drinking ayahuasca. Unfortunately, the tobacco purge can result in nicotine poisoning, and some have died from drinking the tea.

*Note- this is not the same as ritualistic smoking of tobacco in the ceremony, which is used for protection and is no threat to anyone in attendance* New Life Ayahuasca does not offer a tobacco purge.

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These stories of ayahuasca death have caused a great deal of concern and fear for western tourists seeking out the wisdom of the ancient plant to heal and overcome ailments that western medicine has failed.  Yet ayahuasca remains safe when used properly with consideration of the risks and correct preparation.

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Tips:

• Do research on any centers you are considering – ask if they have ever had any medical situation or what they would do in response to one.

• Verify that the center is conducting medical screenings to ensure your safety

• Make sure a trusted loved-one knows where you are and how to contact you

• Know your shaman

• Ask what is in the ayahuasca brew

• Check reviews for the center

• Ask how far the center is from an emergency medial center

• Ask about medical personal or staff traning.

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More Info:

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https://erowid.org/chemicals/ayahuasca/ayahuasca_death.shtml

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https://www.reddit.com/r/Psychedelics_Society/comments/b2jgyv/list_of_ayahuasca_retreat_centere_where_a_death/​