Linkages between Psychedelics and Meditation in a Population-Based Sample in the United States
This survey (n=536) showcases a possible synergy between meditation and psychedelic use. Those who experienced ego dissolution also found meditation to be more effective, which also served as lowering the barrier to meditation and motivation to practice it. Those who meditated (about half of the original larger survey) also were more likely to use psychedelics and experience ego dissolution.
Authors
- Otto Simonsson
- Samuel Goldberg
Published
Abstract
There are neurophysiological and phenomenological overlaps between psychedelic and meditative states, but there is little evidence on how exposure to psychedelics might be associated with meditation-related variables. We assessed lifetime classic psychedelic use, ego dissolution during one’s most intense experience using a classic psychedelic, and exposure to meditation in a representative sample (n = 953) of American adults. Those who reported experience with meditation were invited to complete a follow-up survey (n = 536, 92.1% response rate) measuring meditation-related variables. Models controlled for a range of potential confounds. Exposure to meditation was associated with lifetime classic psychedelic use and ego dissolution in covariate-adjusted models. In addition, among meditators, greater ego dissolution was associated with more frequent meditation practice. Both lifetime classic psychedelic use and ego dissolution were associated with enlightenment as motivation to practice meditation as well as lower likelihood of overall perceived barriers to meditation practice. Ego dissolution was positively associated with finding meditation more effective. Neither lifetime classic psychedelic use nor ego dissolution was associated with greater likelihood of meditation-related adverse effects. Taken together, results support potential synergy between psychedelics and meditation, but randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish safety and evaluate potential causal relationships.
Research Summary of 'Linkages between Psychedelics and Meditation in a Population-Based Sample in the United States'
Introduction
Research into classic psychedelics has re-emerged, with accumulating experimental and clinical evidence suggesting potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for internalising disorders. Classic psychedelics—substances such as DMT, ayahuasca, psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, and peyote—are often characterised pharmacologically by agonism at serotonin 2A receptors. One phenomenological feature that has been implicated in psychedelic therapeutic mechanisms is ego dissolution, a loss or disintegration of subjective self-identity. Earlier work has noted overlaps in phenomenology and neurophysiology between psychedelic-induced ego dissolution and experiences reported during meditation, and prior trials and cross-sectional studies have suggested that psychedelics can influence meditation interest, frequency, and depth of practice. Simonsson and colleagues set out to examine associations between classic psychedelic exposure and multiple meditation-related variables in a nationally stratified online sample of US adults. Specifically, the study assessed lifetime classic psychedelic use and ego dissolution during the respondent’s most intense psychedelic experience in relation to (1) lifetime exposure to meditation; (2) current amount and type of meditation practice; (3) motivations for practice; (4) perceived barriers to practice; (5) subjective benefits including perceived efficacy and decentering skills; and (6) meditation-related adverse effects. The authors framed this as an exploratory, population-based assessment to clarify potential linkages and inform future causal studies.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Authors
- APA Citation
Simonsson, O., & Goldberg, S. B. (2023). Linkages between Psychedelics and Meditation in a Population-Based Sample in the United States. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 55(1), 11-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2021.2022816
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Simonsson, O., Sexton, J. D., Hendricks, P. S. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2021)
Smigielski, L., Kometer, M., Scheidegger, M. et al. · Scientific Reports (2019)
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Berit, S., Meling, D., Hirsch-Hoffmann, M. et al. · Scientific Reports (2024)
Borkel, L. F., Rojas-Hernández, J., Henríquez-Hernández, L. A. et al. · Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology (2023)
Orłowski, P., Hobot, J., Ruban, A. et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2023)
Simonsson, O., Osika, W., Stenfors, C. U. D. et al. · Psychological Medicine (2023)
Simonsson, A., Simonsson, O., Chambers, R. et al. · Mindfulness (2023)
Simonsson, O., Hendricks, P. S., Chambers, R. et al. · Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology (2022)
Gandy, S. · Journal of Psychedelic Studies (2022)
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