A growing number of recovering alcoholics who use the Amazonian psychedelic ayahuasca report feeling shunned at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. At least five individuals told The Post they faced hostility for their use of the plant-based substance.
Jennifer Bruce, one such recovering alcoholic, shared her experience of being berated during AA meetings after using ayahuasca to address past trauma. “When I picked up a chip denoting my sobriety, attendees shouted that I needed to turn my chip back in and start over because I had relapsed,” Bruce said. This reaction left her feeling isolated and rejected by the group.
The controversy stems from AA’s principle of total abstinence, which some members believe is violated by using psychedelics. Despite AA’s official stance of having no opinion on external issues, and its co-founder Bill Wilson’s experimentation with LSD, individual members often see psychedelic use as contrary to AA’s goals.
Michele Medal, in recovery for 20 years and a founder of several psychedelic businesses, defends the use of psychedelics like ayahuasca. “This is not about using a mind-altering substance for anything. This is about healing at a cellular level,” Medal explained. She believes that such healing can eradicate addiction entirely, although she acknowledges it can return.
Ayahuasca, known for its ceremonial use in South America, has gained popularity among celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Megan Fox. Users argue that it is non-addictive and used for medicinal or spiritual purposes rather than escapism.
Despite the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, they remain heavily regulated in the U.S. However, states like Oregon and Colorado have begun to legalize certain uses, with pending legislation in other states, including New Jersey.
Vanessa Crites, a long-term recovery advocate, 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. Crites continues to use psychedelic medicines while participating in mainstream 12-step programs.
While AA insists it does not expel members, the experiences of Bruce and others suggest that the stigma surrounding psychedelics is causing significant rifts within the recovery community. As the debate over their use continues, many in recovery are calling for greater understanding and acceptance of alternative therapies.
