Use Of Psychedelics Research Articles

Psychedelic use and psychological flexibility: The role of meaningful intention and decentering

AbstractBackgroundPsychedelic use and its impact on well-being is garnering a lot of research attention, however, little has been done to understand the potential associations between multiple characteristics of the psychedelic experience and psychological flexibility (PF), which encompasses a conscious awareness of thoughts and behavior, allowing individuals to adapt to new experiences and perceive multiple explanations or solutions for life events.AimsThe current study examines the psychedelic correlates of PF. It was hypothesized that intention, comfort and safety during the experience, decentering, mystical experiences, ego-dissolution, and insight would be significantly associated with greater reports of PF.MethodsData used for the regression analysis were from 114 participants who had used one of the classic psychedelics (LSD, Psilocybin, Mescaline, DMT, Ayahuasca, 5MeO-DMT) and were recruited from postings on Twitter (now X) and within psychedelic-based groups on Facebook and Reddit to fill out an online survey. Standard assessments used include the Experiences Questionnaire, Mystical Experience Questionnaire, Ego-Dissolution Inventory, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Psychological Insight Questionnaire, and Religious Salience Scale.ResultsAfter controlling for sociodemographics (age, income, religious salience, number of psychedelic experiences), self-perceived meaningful intention and decentering remained significantly associated with greater psychological flexibility.ConclusionsThese results expand upon existing literature on psychedelic use and its impact on well-being by exploring specific characteristics of the psychedelic experience. Understanding the importance of intention and decentering can provide a pathway by which psychedelic users, guides, and researchers can further understand the psychedelic experience and its effects.

Comforting delusions? How to evaluate the plausibility of mystical-type insights in psychedelic experiences

ABSTRACT Psychedelics can facilitate mystical-type insights and beliefs, such as the belief that the fundamental nature of reality is loving consciousness. These belief changes could underlie the positive effects of psychedelics on wellbeing. However, mystical-type beliefs have been criticized of being delusional, as they contradict naturalism. Here I argue that naturalism is one metaphysical position among several competing ones. There is no definite way of choosing one metaphysical theory over others, as there are several metaphysical positions that are internally consistent and compatible with scientific knowledge. This calls for metaphysical agnosticism, which entails that psychedelic-facilitated metaphysical beliefs cannot be considered as delusional simply if they contradict naturalism. However, the challenge is to distinguish between beliefs that are strictly metaphysical and other mystical-type beliefs, which can include, for example, paranormal beliefs. Metaphysical agnosticism does not apply to the latter and they can be considered as problematic. I apply metaphysical agnosticism to evaluate mystical-type belief changes associated with the use of psychedelics, as indicated by empirical research. I consider the possibility that mystical-type beliefs are ineffable and non-conceptual, which entails that we should not take conceptualizations of them too seriously. I conclude by discussing the implications of metaphysical agnosticism for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Attitudes of European psychiatrists on psychedelics: a cross-sectional survey study

Research and public interest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) are growing. This study investigated attitudes toward psychedelics among a diverse and multinational sample of psychiatrists currently working in Europe. We conducted an anonymous, web-based survey consisting of demographic information, a test of basic knowledge on psychedelics, and the previously validated 20-item Attitudes on Psychedelics Questionnaire (APQ), which was validated for the first time in English within this sample. We included N = 419 participants from 33 countries in the study. One-third of participants (34%) reported past use of psychedelics. The APQ sub-scale with the highest score was Openness to Psychedelics, while Risk Assessment of Psychedelics was rated lowest. Regression modelling, explaining 31.3% of variance in APQ scores, showed that younger male psychiatrists who identified as spiritual, were better at recognizing and classifying substances as psychedelics and had previously used psychedelics had more positive attitudes on psychedelics. No professional variables besides self-reported previous experience with PAP or psychedelic research predicted APQ scores. European psychiatrists, therefore, show a general openness to psychedelics and PAP, but are concerned by the potential risks associated with them. Our findings overall suggest that psychedelics are a subject where it is difficult to remain impartial. Protocol registration: The study was pre-registered at the Open Science Framework (available online at https://osf.io/upkv3).

Jung, the Rebirth Motif and Psychedelics I: Documenting Jung's Contact with the British Pioneers.

C. G. Jung wrote very little about psychedelic drugs and he took a sceptical view of them. However, he was sufficiently impressed by Aldous Huxley's 1954 account of taking mescaline, The Doors of Perception, to invite Huxley to visit him in Switzerland. Huxley declined Jung's invitation but Huxley's collaborator Humphry Osmond met Jung instead. This paper documents Jung's contact with the British pioneers of psychedelics research and presents the scant material illuminating his views about these drugs. It also determines the efforts of British psychiatrist Ronald Sandison, who was the first to develop an "explicitly Jungian approach" to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (Hill, 2013), and it highlights a connection between Sandison's initiative and the Society of Analytical Psychology (SAP) through the involvement of two SAP members: Margot Cutner, Sandison's colleague, and Michael Fordham, who supervised a trainee working with one of Sandison's former patients. Despite Jung's objections to the use of psychedelics, Sandison and Cutner developed ground-breaking protocols during the 1950s and they were among the first to document the phenomenon of "spiritual rebirth symbolized in the birth experience known to many LSD therapists" (Sandison, 2001). In two companion papers, I consider Jung's treatment of the rebirth motif in his commentary on The Tibetan Book of the Dead, which later became a central text in the psychedelic movement, and I chart the evolution in psychedelics research from an association with schizophrenia during the 1950s to the mystical paradigms of the 1960s and beyond.

The Influence of Stakeholder Interests on Safety Outcome Reporting in Psychedelic Research and Implications for Science Communication.

Psychedelics are a group of psychoactive substances which produce complex and subjective changes to consciousness and carry unique safety considerations. There is a growing body of work investigating the use of psychedelics for mental health treatment alongside increasing socio-cultural and political acceptance. This rapid evolution has prompted corporations to fund psychedelic clinical trials, leading to a potential rise in conflicts of interest in relevant studies and publications. However, the body of evidence for the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for psychiatric illnesses is early. There is concern regarding the introduction of bias in psychedelic clinical trials and the selective reporting of results amidst and beyond corporate involvement. At a crucial time in psychedelic drug reform, this paper explores the safety concerns associated with psychedelics, the potential influences of financial stakeholders on safety outcome reporting and the importance of balanced science communication in maintaining public health and safety.

The nursing role in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy

In this article, we aim to highlight the specific role of nurses in the interdisciplinary model of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. We argue that the plural competencies of our profession are at the heart of future issues in psychiatry and the use of psychedelics.

From chaos to kaleidoscope: Exploring factors in psychedelic self-treatment for mental health conditions.

This study explores how individuals self-treat psychiatric conditions with psychedelics outside medical guidance bridging the gap in understanding unregulated therapeutic use. The primary objective was to extract specific factors underlying the effects of psychedelics, exploring their relationship with the need for medication, particularly for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Additionally, we aimed to understand how the likelihood of being prescribed pharmacological medication varies based on mental health diagnoses and demographic factors. This research utilised the Global Drug Survey 2020, an annual online survey focused on substance use patterns and demographics, incorporating modules addressing mental health and psychedelic use. The study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis to discern latent factors underlying the self-reported effects of psychedelics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the association between identified factors and the likelihood of current prescribed medication usage. In all, 2552 respondents reported using psychedelics for self-treatment of mental health conditions. Three significant factors were identified: Improved Mental Health, Improved Self-Awareness and Neuro-Sensory Changes. The majority of the sample reported a history of depression (80%) or anxiety (65.6%), with a significant association observed between reported factors of psychedelics' effects and current medication usage for mental health, especially notable in cases of depression or comorbid depression and anxiety. Perceived symptom improvement following psychedelic self-treatment may reduce the need for medically supervised pharmacological interventions. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics to positively influence mental health and self-awareness, paving the way for further research into their therapeutic application.

The psychedelic mind: Current user perceptions of psychedelic drugs and their use

Purpose Psychedelic drugs can induce altered states of consciousness characterised by changes in visual perception, tactile sensation, cognition, and emotion. Although there is a history of misinformation surrounding these drugs, recent investigation has reinvigorated interest. However, little research has assessed the attitudes of psychedelic consumers regarding these substances. The current study aims to explore the attitudes and perceptions of people with experience with psychedelic drugs, specifically surrounding psychedelic drugs themselves and their use within Aotearoa New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach Nineteen individuals with experience of psychedelic use were recruited to participate across eight groups in semi-structured, exploratory interviews, where a range of topics associated with psychedelics were discussed. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data focussed on participants’ current perceptions and attitudes. Findings Four themes were produced: (1) a negative historical influence on current perceptions of psychedelics; (2) knowledge is key but not everyone has it; (3) prohibition is not working, policy needs to change; (4) psychedelics have therapeutic potential. These themes emphasise key features of people with experience of psychedelic drugs’ current views and highlight potential areas for future investigation and intervention. Social implications Findings indicate a need for greater public knowledge and awareness of psychedelics in Aotearoa society. Findings also inform information, education and policy, which in turn will reduce the stigma and associated harm that those who have used or use psychedelic drugs may experience. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, qualitative research aiming to understand attitudes and perspectives surrounding psychedelic drugs and their use from a drug users’ perspective have not yet been assessed.

S36 - Examining Population Trends in the Association Between Mental Health and Psychedelic Use

S36 - Examining Population Trends in the Association Between Mental Health and Psychedelic Use

Psychedelic experiences and long-term spiritual growth: a systematic review

Psychedelic substances, which can occasion mystical experiences, are sometimes used for religious and spiritual reasons. Despite strong links between psychedelics and spirituality, no previous systematic review has investigated connections between psychedelics and indicators of long-term spiritual growth. Thus, 34 empirical studies were analyzed with 19,724 total participants from 32 independent samples. A variety of methodologies were used among the reviewed studies, and some studies included international samples. Results showed that psychedelics—especially classic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, LSD, and DMT)—have been studied more often in this context than other substances. Findings indicate that psychedelic use is linked with a variety of subjective indicators of spiritual growth, including stronger perceived connections with the divine, a greater sense of meaning, increased spiritual faith, increased engagement in religious and spiritual practices, an increase in feelings of unity and self-transcendence, positive changes in worldview, increased connectedness with others, and reduced fear of death. Many studies that reported on one of these indicators also reported on others, implying a co-occurrence of these facets during and after psychedelic experiences. Spiritual growth was often related to mystical experiences, with higher mystical experience ratings associating positively with perceived spiritual growth.

The nature of nonduality: The epistemic implications of meditative and psychedelic experiences

AbstractIn Jylkkä's (Philosophy and Psychedelics: Frameworks for Exceptional Experience, Bloomsbury Academic, New York, 2022) Mary on Acid: Experiences of unity and the epistemic gap, the author contends that psychedelic experience, by inducing unitary—nondual—experiences of subject–object dissolution, brings to light the epistemic gap between unitary knowledge, constituted by experience, and relational knowledge, distinct from experience. Jylkkä draws a connection between the nondual experience as occasioned through psychedelic usage, and Buddhist contemplative practices. While Jylkkä's attempt to establish a dialogue between analytic philosophy, Buddhism and the science of psychedelics is laudable, we contend that more rigorous attention is required to characterizing nondual experience, the forms of experience occasioned by psychedelic use, and whether they truly constitute parallel to states cultivated through Buddhist practice traditions. While such parallelism may speak to a deeper unification, such a claim requires substantiation to avoid the perennialist eliding of the varied and rich engagement with nonduality across completive traditions. This article highlights the internal tensions that exist surrounding the nature of the nondual as elucidated across Indo‐Tibetan traditions, dangers of decontextualizing states induced through culturally embedded contemplative practices including the underrecognized epistemic function of ceremonial ethnomedicine usage in generating Indigenous metaphysics; and the under acknowledged potential of psychedelic substances for attenuating introspective bias in first‐person phenomenological inquiry.

Applying the EU regulatory framework for the clinical use of psychedelics.

Applying the EU regulatory framework for the clinical use of psychedelics.

Professional Guidelines Needed To Shape Ethics of Psychedelic Use in Psychiatry

Professional Guidelines Needed To Shape Ethics of Psychedelic Use in Psychiatry

Attitudes on Psychedelics in a Sample of Croatian Mental Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional National Survey Study

ABSTRACT For some time now, there has been an increased interest in psychedelics among scientists and mental health experts. Given that experts introduce therapy and advise patients, it is important to know their views. Therefore, the aim of our research was to examine and compare the attitudes of psychiatrists and psychologists toward psychedelics. We were interested in how they are formed and what is the role of personality in that process. We included 218 respondents, of which 92 were psychiatrists and 126 were psychologists. Attitudes toward psychedelics were examined using the Attitudes on Psychedelics Questionnaire. We used the Big Five Inventory to examine personality traits. On the Legal Use of Psychedelics subscale, it was shown that psychiatrists have more negative attitudes toward psychedelics (p = .033). Higher Openness (β = 0.184, p < .001) and lower Conscientiousness (β = -0.144, p = .009) contribute to positive attitudes toward psychedelics, as well as previous lifetime experience with psychedelics (β = 0.411, p < .001) and younger age (β = -0.278, p < .001). In conclusion, we can say that mental health professionals are open but also wary of psychedelics. Openness motivates them to learn. For this reason, additional education could have an impact on the attitudes of psychiatrists and psychologists and prepare them for the practical use of psychedelics.

The Global Psychedelic Survey: Consumer characteristics, patterns of use, and access in primarily anglophone regions around the world

ObjectivesDespite advancements in policies governing psychedelic substances globally, our understanding of real-world psychedelic use and its variations across international jurisdictions remains limited. We implemented the Global Psychedelic Survey (GPS) to capture information about psychedelic consumer characteristics, access, and usage patterns around the world. MethodsThe GPS was administered online in Spring 2023 to English-speaking adults (≥21 years) who use(d) psychedelics. We categorized survey responses into major catchment regions (Canada/US, Europe/UK, Australia/NZ, All Other). We used descriptive and bivariable statistics to characterize consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics, psychedelic access sources, and usage patterns. We examined regional differences in psychedelic use patterns using multinomial logistic regression. ResultsWe analyzed 6379 responses from 85 countries including Canada/US (n = 4434), Europe/UK (n = 771), Australia/NZ (n = 864), and Other (n = 310). Psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA were the most used psychedelics and personal growth was the most common use motive across all catchments. There were significant regional differences in psychedelic use patterns, including types of psychedelics used (e.g., less ibogaine use in Europe/UK and Australia/NZ relative to Canada/US), frequency of use (e.g., lower frequency use in Australia/NZ relative to Canada/US), motivations for use (e.g., less therapeutic use in Europe/UK and Other relative to Canada/US), and types of dosing regimens (e.g., more “micro”-dosing in Canada/US). DiscussionIn this large sample of adult psychedelic consumers from regions around the world, infrequent psychedelic use centered around life enhancement was common. Respondents indicated preference for legal access via quality-controlled sources. Jurisdictional differences in access and usage patterns likely reflect region-specific regulations and traditional practices. Further research should explore opportunities to increase representation of non-White respondents in psychedelic research via translation of studies into several languages and incorporation of culturally reflective, community-based study development.

The way of O: phenomenology of psychedelic use and the path to ultimate reality

There has been a renewed interest in the clinical applications of psychedelics, with increasing use for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Individuals often describe psychedelic sessions as among the most significant experiences in their lives, emphasising the sense of awe, connectedness, and spiritual transformation they undergo. They can also feel they are experiencing truth and becoming aware of reality in deeper ways than ever before. As elusive as it is inescapable, Wilfred Bion’s ‘O’ denotes contact with absolute truth, approachable through an intuitive awareness of reality that goes beyond cognitive strategies seeking to ‘know’. The state of mind cultivated to enter into such realms, to reach O, and indeed to achieve mystical experiences under psychedelics, is one of surrender and transcendence of a cognitively weighted, sensorially bound interfacing with reality. This paper outlines the neurophenomenology of psychedelic use, the concept of O, and their clinical significance vis-à-vis contemporary psychodynamic thinking. As our understanding deepens regarding the changes associated with use of psychedelics, we can draw parallels between acquisition of insight and subsequent reshaping of one’s templates and perspectives taking place through use of these drugs, and the process that occurs over the course of a psychoanalysis or psychodynamic therapy.

Cognitive functioning associated with acute and subacute effects of classic psychedelics and MDMA - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have been carried out to assess potential long-term effects of a regular use on cognition, delivering distinct results for psychedelics and MDMA. However, to date knowledge is scarce on cognitive performance during acute effects of those substances. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate how cognitive functioning is affected by psychedelics and MDMA during the acute drug effects and the sub-acute (“afterglow”) window. Our quantitative analyses suggest that acute cognitive performance is differentially affected by psychedelics when compared to MDMA: psychedelics impair attention and executive function, whereas MDMA primarily affects memory, leaving executive functions and attention unaffected. Our qualitative analyses reveal that executive functioning and creativity may be increased during a window of at least 24 h after the acute effects of psychedelics have subsided, whereas no such results have been observed for MDMA. Our findings may contribute to inform recommendations on harm reduction for recreational settings and to help fostering differential approaches for the use of psychedelics and MDMA within a therapeutic framework.

Race and ethnicity moderate the associations between lifetime psilocybin use and past year hypertension.

Hypertension is a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities who face higher rates of hypertension and worse health-related outcomes. Recent research has reported on protective associations between classic psychedelics and hypertension; however, there is a need to explore how race and ethnicity may moderate such associations. We used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2005-2014) to assess whether race and ethnicity moderate the associations between classic psychedelic use - specifically psilocybin - and past year hypertension. Hispanic identity moderated the associations between psilocybin use and past year hypertension. Furthermore, individuals who used psilocybin and identified as Non-Hispanic White had reduced odds of hypertension (aOR: 0.83); however, these associations were not observed for any other racial or ethnic groups in our study for individuals who used psilocybin. Overall, our results demonstrate that the associations between psychedelics and hypertension may vary by race and ethnicity. Longitudinal studies and clinical trials can further advance this research and determine whether such differences exist in causal contexts. https://osf.io/xsz2p/?view_only=0bf7b56749034c18abb2a3f8d3d4bc0b.

Stigma, psychedelics use, and the risk of reduced formal mental health care.

Stigma, psychedelics use, and the risk of reduced formal mental health care.

Supplemental Material for Stigma, Psychedelics Use, and the Risk of Reduced Formal Mental Health Care

Supplemental Material for Stigma, Psychedelics Use, and the Risk of Reduced Formal Mental Health Care