Abstract
BackgroundPsychedelic microdosing is the trending practice of using tiny repeated doses of psychedelic substances to facilitate a range of supposed benefits. With only a few published studies to date, the subject is still under-researched, and more knowledge is warranted. Social media and internet discussion forums have played a vital role in the growing visibility of the microdosing phenomenon, and the present study utilized YouTube contents to improve comprehension of the microdosing practice as well as the social interactions and discussions around microdosing.MethodsMicrodosing self-disclosure in YouTube videos and their following comments were qualitatively analyzed by inductive thematic analysis. Various software was utilized to enable gathering and sorting relevant data.ResultsMicrodosing of psychedelic substances, primarily LSD and psilocybin, was used for therapeutic and enhancement purposes, and predominantly beneficial effects were reported. Many different applications and outcomes were discussed, and therapeutic effects for depression appeared especially noteworthy. Intentions for use were recognized as an influencing factor for the progression and outcomes of microdosing. The function of social interactions was mainly to discuss views on the microdosing phenomenon, strategies for optimal results, minimize risks, and share emotional support.ConclusionsPotentially, microdosing could provide some of the same benefits (for certain conditions) as full-dose interventions with less risk of adverse reactions related to the sometimes intense experiences of higher doses. Microdosing may well also mean additional benefits, as well as risks, through the repeated exposure over extended periods.
Highlights
Psychedelic microdosing is the trending practice of using tiny repeated doses of psychedelic substances to facilitate a range of supposed benefits
The analysis has revealed eight themes illustrating the content of the self-rapports and interactions of microdosers concerning (1) microdosing motives, expectations, and context; (2) enhanced states and heightened senses; (3) insights and transformation; (4) improved abilities and optimal performance; (5) relief and cure for health conditions; (6) unwanted effects and lack of results; (7) microdosing approaches, strategies, and dosage; and (8) general viewpoints on microdosing
A “holistic” approach to health was often premiered, and in this context, microdosing was viewed as a catalyst for improving the overall orientation and results of healthor self-optimization efforts
Summary
Psychedelic microdosing is the trending practice of using tiny repeated doses of psychedelic substances to facilitate a range of supposed benefits. Users provided their own substances and effects where evaluated through self rapports, surveys, or psychometric scales [14,15,16,17] Such an approach offers less control; these studies had the advantage in exploring the recurrent exposure over time (rather than single or few doses) usually intrinsic to the psychedelic microdosing practice. They looked more broadly on multiple variables of potential microdosing effects and found improvements for mood, creativity, and depression, increased open-mindedness, less dysfunctional attitudes, stress, and distractibility [14,15,16,17]
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