Associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and markers of physical health
Using US National Survey on Drug Use and Health data (2015–2018; n=171,766), the study found that lifetime classic psychedelic use was associated with higher odds of reporting better overall health and lower odds of being overweight or obese after adjusting for covariates. There was also a marginally significant association with lower odds of a recent heart condition and/or cancer, suggesting potential physical-health benefits that merit causal and mechanistic study.
Authors
- Otto Simonsson
- Peter Hendricks
Published
Abstract
Background
In recent years, there has been significant research on the mental health effects of classic psychedelic use, but there is very little evidence on how classic psychedelics might influence physical health.
Aims
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and markers of physical health.
Methods
Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015-2018) with 171,766 (unweighted) adults aged 18 or above in the United States, the current study examined the associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and three markers of physical health (self-reported overall health, body mass index, and heart condition and/or cancer in the past 12 months) while controlling for a range of covariates.
Results
Respondents who reported having tried a classic psychedelic at least once in their lifetime had significantly higher odds of greater self-reported overall health and significantly lower odds of being overweight or obese versus having a normal weight. The association between lifetime classic psychedelic use and having a heart condition and/or cancer in the past 12 months approached conventional levels of significance, with lower odds of having a heart condition and/or cancer in the past 12 months for respondents who had tried a classic psychedelic at least once.
Conclusion
The results of the present study suggest that classic psychedelics may be beneficial to physical health. Future research should investigate the causal effects of classic psychedelics on physical health and evaluate possible mechanisms.
Research Summary of 'Associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and markers of physical health'
Introduction
Classic psychedelics—a subclass of psychedelics that act primarily as 5-HT2A receptor agonists—have attracted renewed scientific attention for their psychological effects. The class includes tryptamines (for example DMT and ayahuasca), psilocybin, lysergamides (LSD), and phenethylamines (mescaline and mescaline-containing cacti). Earlier research, including clinical trials and population studies, indicates low physiological toxicity in controlled settings, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, and therapeutic potential for depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. Large surveys such as the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) have established population-level patterns of lifetime classic psychedelic use (around 13–14% of adults) and reported associations with lower psychological distress, suicidality and some forms of substance misuse and criminal behaviour. Using pooled NSDUH data, the present study set out to examine whether lifetime classic psychedelic use (defined as having tried one or more classic psychedelics at least once) is associated with markers of physical health. Specifically, the investigators tested associations with three outcomes: self-reported overall health, body mass index (BMI) category, and a combined indicator of having a heart condition and/or cancer in the past 12 months. The a priori hypothesis was that lifetime classic psychedelic use would be associated with better physical health status.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Topics
- Authors
- APA Citation
Simonsson, O., Sexton, J. D., & Hendricks, P. S. (2021). Associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and markers of physical health. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 35(4), 447-452. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881121996863
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