Use Of Psychedelics Research Articles

Psilocybin, peyote, mescaline, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use in a nationally representative population by cancer history.

e22518 Background: Classic psychedelics (Peyote, Psilocybin, Mescaline, and LSD) are re-emerging in the oncology toolbox. Peyote is the oldest known psychedelic, yet underexplored in clinical research. Preclinical studies suggest its extract stimulates lymphocyte proliferation, kills tumor cells, and may regulate sleep. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of classic psychedelic use among a US-representative sample of adults with and without a history of cancer. Methods: Data ( N= 208,220, weighted N: 239,589,661) from adults >18y in the 2015 - 2019 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (52.8% female, 68.4% non-Hispanic White, 45.6% aged ≥50y) were analyzed to estimate lifetime classic psychedelic use among those with no cancer history, past history (diagnosed > 1y ago), or recently (≤1y ago) diagnosed. Weighted prevalence of psychedelic use, 95% confidence intervals, and adjusted (sex, race, income, education) odds ratio were calculated using logistic regression analysis in SAS. Results: Overall, 6.2% had a cancer history and 14.0% reported lifetime classic psychedelics use. LSD was the most prevalent in the sample (10.6%, 95% CI:10.4-10.8) compared to Psilocybin (9.6%, 95% CI: 9.4-9.9), Mescaline (3.1%, 95% CI:3.0-3.2), and Peyote (2.3%, 95% CI:2.2-2.4). Psychedelic use was lowest in adults with past cancer diagnosis (12.3%, 95% CI:11.4-13.1) vs recently diagnosed [14.0% (95% CI:12.0-16.0] and cancer naive (14.1%, 95% CI:13.8-14.4). Each classic psychedelic was used more often among recent cancer diagnosed adults than past diagnosed (p < 0.05). Specifically, LSD (11.1%, 95% CI:9.3-12.9 vs 9.3%, 95% CI:8.5-10.0), Psilocybin (8.3%, 95% CI:6.6-10.0 vs 7.3%, 95% CI: 6.7-8.0), Mescaline (5.4%, 95% CI:4.0-6.8 vs 4.6%, 95% CI: 3.9-5.2), and Peyote (3.7%, 95% CI: 2.5-5.0 vs 2.9%, 95% CI: 2.5-3.4) use was higher in recently diagnosed cancer patients than past diagnosed. There were no significant differences in age, except among Peyote. Among 18-to-34-year-olds, recent cancer patients had 3-fold greater odds (aOR:3.55, 95%CI: 1.11-11.31) of using peyote vs cancer naïve. In ≥50-year-olds, those with past cancer diagnosis had 21% lower odds (aOR:0.79, 95% CI:0.63-0.97) of using peyote vs cancer naïve. Conclusions: Results suggest differential psychedelic use by cancer history and age. These findings, while limited by temporality of diagnosis and initiation of psychedelic use, underscore the need to investigate reasons and long-term impact of specific psychedelic use with more rigor among adults with a cancer history.

Coming back together: a qualitative survey study of coping and support strategies used by people to cope with extended difficulties after the use of psychedelic drugs.

A growing body of literature is investigating the difficulties that some individuals encounter after psychedelic experiences. Existing research has explored the nature and predictors of these difficulties; however, a research gap exists in understanding how individuals endeavour to cope with such difficulties. The current study collected data from an international cohort of 608 participants who reported experiencing difficulties that persisted for at least one day after a psychedelic experience. They provided written data on how they used coping strategies to alleviate these difficulties. The qualitative analysis of the written data on coping was conducted using Structured Tabular Thematic Analysis. A wide range of individual and social coping strategies were employed that were found helpful. The most common individual strategies were meditation and prayer, followed by self-educational activities such as reading and journaling. The most prevalent forms of social coping involved seeking support from friends or family members, followed by obtaining assistance from a therapist or coach. Features of social coping that were reported to be helpful included feeling heard/accepted, a non-judgemental attitude and sharing similar experiences. Our findings hold potential for informing the design of therapeutic interventions and educational resources aimed at enhancing positive outcomes for those experiencing extended difficulties after psychedelic use.

Stutterers’ experiences on classic psychedelics: A preliminary self-report study

Stuttering poses challenges to social, occupational, and educational aspects of life. Traditional behavioral therapies can be helpful but effects are often limited. Pharmaceutical treatments have been explored but there are no FDA-approved treatments for stuttering. Interest has grown in the potential use of classic psychedelics, including psilocybin and LSD, which have shown effectiveness in treating disorders with similar symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD). The potential effects of psychedelics on stuttering have not been explored. We conducted a preliminary investigation of self-identified stutterers who report their experiences taking classic psychedelics on the online messaging forum, Reddit. We qualitatively analyzed 114 publicly available posts, extracting meaningful units and assigning descriptor codes inductively. We then deductively organized responses into an established framework of psychedelics which includes behavioral, emotional, cognitive, belief-based, and social effects. These effects were subsequently grouped under organizing themes (positive, negative, neutral). Descriptive statistics revealed that the majority of users (74.0%) reported positive overall short-term effects particularly related to behavioral and emotional change (e.g., reduced stuttering and anxiety), but negative (9.6%), mixed (positive and negative; 4.8%), and neutral overall experiences (11.6%) were also reported. The results support the possibility that psychedelics may impact stuttering, but caution must be applied in their interpretation given the entirely uncontrolled research setting and potential adverse health effects of psychedelics as reported elsewhere. While these results do not encourage the use of psychedelics by stutterers, they suggest that future work could examine the impact of psychedelics on stuttering under supervised and in clinically controlled settings.

How Do Psychedelics Reduce Fear of Death?

Increasing evidence suggests that psychedelic experiences, undergone in controlled conditions, can have various durable psychological benefits. One such benefit is reductions in fear of death, which have been attested in both psychiatric patients and healthy people. This paper addresses the question: how, exactly, do psychedelic experiences reduce fear of death? It argues, against some prominent proposals, that they do so mainly by promoting non-physicalist metaphysical beliefs. This conclusion has implications for two broader debates: one about the mechanisms of psychedelic therapy, and one about the potential non-medical uses of psychedelics for the alleviation of existential angst in psychiatrically healthy people. On the first count, the paper argues that the role of metaphysical belief change in fear of death supports the “Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics” (REBUS) model of psychedelic therapy over alternative accounts. On the second count, the paper argues that the role of metaphysical belief change undermines the proposed use of psychedelics in the “neuroexistentialist” project of naturalizing spirituality. The best available evidence suggests that when psychedelic experiences reduce existential angst and restore a sense of meaning in life, they do so primarily by persuading people of the falsity of a broadly naturalistic worldview, and thus do not help reconcile people to the truth of such a worldview.

Minorities' Diminished Psychedelic Returns: Income and Educations Impact on Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians.

Growing evidence suggests that the race and ethnic minority population may experience fewer protective effects of psychedelics on mental health. The minority diminished psychedelic returns theory proposes that racism, manifested in socioeconomic inequality, could partially account for the smaller health gains observed. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether socioeconomic inequality reduces the impact of psychedelics on health outcomes for minority populations. Additionally, despite having higher socioeconomic status, it remains unclear whether psychedelic use among minorities is associated with the same level of health benefits as observed in non-Hispanic whites. This study utilizes data from the National Survey of Drug Use (N = 2008 to 2019), which involved 458,372 participants aged 18 and above. The objective is to examine the impact of various psychedelics (MDMA, psilocybin, DMT, ayahuasca, peyote/mescaline, and LSD), as well as lifetime classic psychedelics use (LCPU), on psychological distress in the past month, taking into account socioeconomic factors (education level and family income) and race/ethnic differences (White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian). The analysis employed a series of nested ordinary least-square regression models using Stata 18. The results indicate that, after controlling for socioeconomic status, there is no association between Black and Hispanic psychedelic use and distress. However, white psychedelic use remains associated with lower levels of distress. Additionally, despite having higher levels of education and income, psychedelic use among minority groups does not appear to be linked to reduced stress. In fact, for Asians with higher education and income, certain psychedelic use is associated with increased distress.

More research needed regarding psychedelics' effects on youths

A study of adolescents in Sweden appears to offer some promising findings on risk associated with young people's use of psychedelics, but the lead researcher warns that limitations in the analysis should give pause to anyone seeking to draw firm conclusions about the drugs' safety.

Considering the nocebo effect in the psychedelic discourse

AbstractThis commentary addresses the potential for a nocebo effect arising from the public discourse on psychedelics, especially considering the increasing interest and engagement with these substances. The resurgence of psychedelics in the public and scientific arenas has led to a proliferation of discussions, both positive and cautionary, about their use. However, an imbalance in this discourse, particularly a focus on potential harms without adequate contextualisation, might inadvertently create a nocebo effect. This effect could manifest in naturalistic settings, influencing individuals' experiences with psychedelics, possibly leading to adverse outcomes. The paper discusses the importance of a balanced narrative that equally acknowledges the benefits and risks associated with psychedelic use. It advocates for comprehensive and transparent information dissemination to enable informed decision-making by users.

Psychedelic Experiences Increase Mind Perception but do not Change Atheist-Believer Status: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT Recent studies suggest psychedelic use may be associated with changes in a variety of beliefs or belief-like states, including increased 1) mind perception, 2) non-naturalistic beliefs, and 3) Atheist-Believer status (e.g. believer, agnostic, or nonbeliever). We conducted a prospective longitudinal study among participants (N = 657) who planned to have a psilocybin experience outside a laboratory setting. We asked participants about their beliefs concerning mind perception of various entities, specific metaphysical positions, and Atheist-Believer status both before (and after their experience. Replicating previous findings, we observed increases in mind perception across a variety of living and non-living targets (e.g. plants, rocks). However, we found little to no change in metaphysical beliefs (e.g. dualism) or Atheist-Believer status. Taken together, these findings contrast with those from cross-sectional studies that psilocybin experiences result in changes to Atheist-Believer status and non-naturalistic beliefs but support the relevance of mind perception and mentalization.

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The benefits of lithium for BD and CD Links between genetics and psychosis in use of psychedelics

Personality traits explain the relationship between psychedelic use and less depression in a comparative study

Interest in psychedelics is increasing due to the potential for improved mental health and quality of life. However, adverse effects on mental health are still a concern. Personality traits have been suggested to both influence the psychedelic experience and mental health, and even be changed by psychedelic use. The present study describes for the first time a national sample of Swedish psychedelic users (n = 400) compared to a sex and age-matched control-group of non-users (n = 400) regarding mental health variables (depression, insomnia, problematic alcohol and drug use, and dissociation) and personality (Big Five). Data was collected in an online survey including individuals from 16 years of age who had at least one psychedelic experience. The main results reported psychedelic users as less depressed (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) (d = − 0.29) and having more use of drugs (Drug Use Disorders Identification Test; DUDIT) (d = 1.27). In the Big Five personality traits, openness differed notably (d = 1.72), and the between-group effects in PHQ-9 were explained by lower neuroticism. Our findings reveal that psychedelic users report less depression and higher drug use, and this is partly due to personality traits. These results have implications on how we view psychedelic users and the use of psychedelic drugs.

Efficacy of psilocybin for treating symptoms of depression: systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant compared with placebo or non-psychoactive drugs.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesFive electronic databases of published literature (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,...

Trainees Unprepared for Advances in Psychedelic Medicine: A Survey Study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize attitudes and identify gaps in trainee knowledge and education that may impact the field’s readiness for the reemergence of psychedelic use in psychiatry. A two-part survey was sent out targeting medical and allied professional trainees who may interact with patients using or planning to use psychedelics therapeutically. Collected data for part one characterized demographics, sources of information, attitudes, experiences, and amount and type of education available about psychedelics in training programs. Part two was an assessment of psychedelic literacy, and predictors of trainee knowledge were analyzed. A total of 473 responses were obtained, 221 of which were unique, complete, thought to be authentic, and therefore included. Results indicated trainees had learned about psychedelics and related therapies from a wide variety of sources, most notably social media and word-of-mouth, which did not correlate with increased knowledge. There is limited structured education available, and although overall knowledge is low, participation in programming at home institutions did predict greater psychedelic literacy. As psychedelics are becoming increasingly available and research into their use in medicine advances, inclusion of relevant material in academic training programs will be essential to prepare future professionals to effectively educate and counsel patients.

Religion, Psychedelics, Risky Behavior, and Violence

ABSTRACT Research has found that psychedelic use is associated with positive behavioral changes, however research has yet to explore the relationship between socio-cultural conditions on this relationship. This paper intends to fill this gap by testing the effects of religious participation and beliefs on the relationship between psychedelic use and behaviors. This study examines the relationship between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use (LCPU), different aspects of religion (such as salience and attendance), and the likelihood of committing a violent assault. The analysis uses pooled data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2015 to 2019, with a sample size of 282,768. Binary logistic regression models conducted in Stata 17 reveal that LCPU and religion (salience and influence) are independently associated with reduced violence. Additionally, two-way interactions indicate that the association between risky behavior and violence is smaller among individuals with high levels of religious salience. Furthermore, a three-way interaction suggests that the association between risky behavior and violence is smaller for those who have used psychedelics, with the largest effect observed among individuals with high religious salience. These results show that religious factors can influence the relationship between psychedelic use and behaviors, with both attendance and salience operating simultaneously.

Perceptions of psychedelic use by adults in the United States: Perceived psychospiritual benefits and risks, including spiritual struggles.

Perceptions of psychedelic use by adults in the United States: Perceived psychospiritual benefits and risks, including spiritual struggles.

Supplemental Material for Perceptions of Psychedelic Use by Adults in the United States: Perceived Psychospiritual Benefits and Risks, Including Spiritual Struggles

Supplemental Material for Perceptions of Psychedelic Use by Adults in the United States: Perceived Psychospiritual Benefits and Risks, Including Spiritual Struggles

Spirituality as a Therapeutic Approach for Severe Mental Illness: Insights from Neural Networks

This article explores the link between spirituality/religiosity and mental health from a clinical and neuroscience perspective, taking into account the advancements in neuroimaging. Specifically, it examines how spirituality influences the treatment of mental illness, emphasizing the importance of neuronal networks in cognitive and emotional processes, with a focus on the default mode network (DMN) of the brain. The discussion explores the role of spirituality/religiosity in managing mental disorders and how alterations in the DMN may provide insight into the impact of spirituality/religiosity on mental health. By also discussing spiritual and non-spiritual meditation, as well as spiritual experiences facilitated by the use of psychedelics in psychiatry and the associated brain networks, we aim to elaborate on the importance and limitations of spirituality within psychiatry.

Researchers consider links between genetics and psychosis in teen use of psychedelics

Genetics may be more responsible for an association between psychedelic use by teens and manic symptoms than the use of the drug itself. A recent study of 16,255 adolescent twins found that psychedelic use was associated with lower rates of psychotic symptoms when adjusting for other drug use. However, psychedelic use was associated with more manic symptoms in teens with a higher genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. The findings are focused on psychedelic‐assisted therapy, which has shown promise in treating some psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the risk of psychotic or manic symptoms in teens who use psychedelics recreationally, not therapeutically. This study used the Swedish Twin Registry to investigate links between recreational psychedelic use and self‐reported psychotic or manic symptoms in adolescents. Among the 16,255 participants included in the analyses, 541 reported past use of psychedelics, most of whom (535 of 541 [99%]) also reported past use of other drugs. The findings come with significant limitations and should be interpreted with caution, the researchers concluded. Among the conflicts of interest reported, the lead author was the founder of Eudelics, a company which markets mindfulness, leadership, and psychedelics. Simonsson, O., et al. (2024, Mar 13). Adolescent psychedelic use and psychotic or manic symptoms. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0047.

Recreational use of psychedelics at music festivals: Motivation, nature of experiences and learnings

AbstractThe present research study investigated the phenomenon of recreational use of psychedelics at music festivals, analysing whether the resulting experiences could possibly be recognized as valuable in terms of preventive mental health strategies. Quantitative (online survey) and qualitative (interviews) research methods have been combined to illuminate 3 main topics: motivation for the setting choice; the nature of the resulting experiences & their influence on people's lives; learnings from psychedelic experiences at music festivals (PEMF).Among other findings, motivation evolved around fun, enhancing the sensory exploration of the world, and deepening the connection to its diverse parts through engagement with art, nature and other beings. Factors, distinguishing music festivals from other settings, were significant for the setting choice (non-controllability of the environment, community & connection aspect, diversity & richness of the surroundings, pharmacological specifics). Remarkably, the non-controllability of the environment, otherwise avoided in the psychedelic research, contributed to the life-changing effects of PEMF. Exploration of their nature showed that, mostly rooted in poly-drug use, the enjoyable were clearly dominating over the challenging ones. The mystical PEMF appeared to be surprisingly common. Participants shared the related life-changing effects, centred around changed perception (increased empathy, awareness, acceptance; new perspectives, etc.) and changed behaviours (increased mindfulness in all life areas; making different life choices; changed approach to relationships, etc.). Except for post MDMA recovery, a positive impact of PEMF on mental health and the emotional state of the participants was reported, referring to increased levels of happiness, compassion, awe, trust and to emotional balance. This study showed the potential value of PEMF in terms of preventive mental health strategies in various forms. Acknowledging these findings as well as the existence of potential risks for triggering psychiatric conditions, de-stigmatization of recreational use could help introduce meaningful changes, including substance testing availability, prioritization of education as well as mandatory welfare and harm reduction services on-site.

Perceived attachment history predicts psychedelic experiences: A naturalistic study

AbstractBackground and aimsEmerging research indicates that psychedelics may have therapeutic potential by fostering meaningful experiences that act as “inflection points” in people's narratives of personal development. However, psychedelic research has largely failed to address pertinent developmental considerations. We investigated whether attachment-related variables were associated with psychedelic experiences and whether psychedelic experiences moderated expected links between perceived attachment history and current adult attachment orientations.MethodsWe administered an online survey to an international Jewish sample (N = 185) with psychedelic experience. The survey included measures about recollection of attachment interactions with parents (perceived attachment history), adult attachment orientations (anxiety, avoidance), and psychedelic phenomenology (mystical experiences, challenging experiences, emotional breakthrough, ego dissolution, sensed presence) associated with respondents' most memorable psychedelic experiences.ResultsPerceptions of an insecure attachment history were positively linked to all measures of psychedelic phenomenology (r's = 0.19–32, p's mostly < 0.01). In contrast, adult attachment orientations were unrelated to psychedelic phenomenology. Also, psychedelic phenomenology mostly did not moderate the links observed between perceptions of an insecure attachment history and adult attachment orientations.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that perceptions of early attachment experiences may be relevant to psychedelic phenomenology. However, subjective experiences associated with naturalistic psychedelic use do not typically attenuate links between a perceived insecure attachment history and attachment insecurity at present.

Naturalistic use of psychedelics does not modulate processing of self-related stimuli (but it might modulate attentional mechanisms): An event-related potentials study.

Classic psychedelics are able to profoundly alter the state of consciousness and lead to acute experiences of ego dissolution - the blurring of the distinction between representations of self and the external world. However, whether repeated use of psychedelics is associated with more prolonged and permanent modifications to the concept of self remains to be investigated. Therefore, we conducted a preregistered, cross-sectional study in which experienced psychedelics users (15 or more lifetime experiences with psychedelics; N = 56) were compared to nonusers (N = 57) in terms of neural reactivity to a Self-name (i.e., each participant's own name) stimulus, which is known to robustly activate a representation of self. Two control stimuli were additionally used: an Other-name stimulus, as a passive control condition in which no reaction was required, and a Target-name stimulus, to which participants provided a manual response and which thus constituted an active control condition. Analysis of the amplitude of the P300 ERP component evoked by the Self- or Target-names revealed no difference between the psychedelics users and nonusers. However, psychedelic users exhibited increased P300 amplitude during perception of Other-names. In addition, in comparison to nonusers, psychedelics users exhibited a smaller increase in P300 amplitude when processing the task-relevant Target-names (in relation to both Self- and Other-names). Therefore, our data suggests that regular naturalistic use of psychedelics may not be related to long-term changes in the representation of self, but it might potentially affect the allocation of attentional resources to task-relevant stimuli.