Alternative beliefs in psychedelic drug users
In a sample of 392 participants (233 with lifetime psychedelic use), the study found a moderate positive association between psychedelic use and endorsement of "alternative facts" and the belief that facts are politically influenced, while no link was observed for preferring intuition over evidence and alcohol use was negatively associated with alternative‑fact beliefs. The authors interpret this as evidence that psychedelic use correlates with non‑conformist thinking styles, which may reflect drug effects or pre‑existing unconventional belief traits.
Authors
- Otto Simonsson
- Wojciech Osika
Published
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that classical psychedelics can foster significant and enduring changes in personality traits and subjective wellbeing. Despite the lack of evidence for adverse effects on mental health stemming from psychedelic use, concerns persist regarding the capacity of these substances to modulate information processing and attitudes towards factual data. The aim of the present study was to investigate the propensity for accepting alternative facts and the general treatment of knowledge within a sample of 392 participants, 233 of whom reported at least a single incidence of psychedelic use in their lifetime. To do this, we leveraged step-wise methods of linear modelling investigating effects of demographics, psychiatric conditions and concomitant drug use. Our findings revealed a moderate positive association between psychedelic use and beliefs in alternative facts, as well as the specific belief that facts are politically influenced. However, no links were found for favouring intuition over evidence when confirming facts. Among other investigated drugs, only alcohol was negatively associated with beliefs in alternative facts. Taken together, our results support the link between psychedelic use and non-conformist thinking styles, which can be attributed to the psychological effects of the drugs themselves, but may also mirror a common trait related to unconventional beliefs and illicit substance use.
Research Summary of 'Alternative beliefs in psychedelic drug users'
Introduction
Lebedev and colleagues situate the study within a context of growing policy liberalisation and scientific interest in classical psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, DMT), noting prior small-scale clinical findings that motivated wider attention to these substances. Earlier research has documented links between psychedelics and changes in personality, wellbeing and life attitudes, but the authors identify a gap concerning how psychedelic use relates to individuals' epistemic styles and acceptance of "alternative facts" or conspiratorial beliefs. They also note debate in the literature about whether non-conformist attitudes associated with psychedelic culture reflect drug effects or pre-existing subcultural traits. The present cross-sectional study therefore aimed to test associations between patterns of drug use, with a focus on classical psychedelics, and measures of conspiratorial thinking and epistemic belief tendencies. Specifically, the investigators examined relationships between psychedelic exposure and (1) general conspiracy mentality, and (2) three EBS (Epistemic Belief Scale) facets: Faith in Intuition for facts, Need for evidence, and Truth is political. Secondary aims included exploring links with personality and psychopathology-related traits to contextualise any associations observed.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
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- APA Citation
Lebedev, A. V., Acar, K., Horntvedt, O., Cabrera, A. E., Simonsson, O., Osika, W., Ingvar, M., & Petrovic, P. (2023). Alternative beliefs in psychedelic drug users. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42444-z
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