Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: A World Apart from Clinical Care
This survey (n=1,435) among psychedelic users finds that most (75%) don't discuss psychedelics with their doctor. Almost none (3-4%) had taken psychedelics in a medical setting, though most (78%) were likely to do if legally available. Though a majority (63%) were aware of testing kits, almost half (43%) had never used these services.
Authors
- Kevin Boehnke
- Daniel Kruger
- Moss Herberholz
Published
Abstract
Interest in and availability of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes has increased in recent decades. In a large, anonymous, online survey, we investigated patterns of communication with healthcare providers and awareness and utilization of substance testing kits or services among people using psychedelics naturalistically. The sample population included attendees of a psychedelic activism event and users of psychedelic social media forums. Among 1,435 participants, 72.5% never discussed psychedelic use with their primary care provider (PCP). Only 4.4% reported using psychedelics with a therapist and 3% in clinical settings, although 77.8% were very or extremely likely to take psychedelics with a therapist if one were legally available. While 62.6% of participants were aware of substance testing services, 42.6% of these indicated never using them. Regression analyses identified several variables associated with disclosure to PCP and utilization of substance testing services including age, gender, frequency and number of psychedelics used, and likelihood of consuming psychedelics under the guidance of a therapist if one were legally available. Further research is necessary to investigate these findings among other groups. Our findings suggest that relevant training and education for healthcare providers is needed, along with more visible options for substance identity testing.
Research Summary of 'Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: A World Apart from Clinical Care'
Introduction
Glynos and colleagues situate this study in the context of rapidly expanding research and public interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy, noting positive signals from clinical trials of psilocybin and MDMA for several psychiatric conditions alongside evolving policy changes that have decriminalised or legalised psychedelics in some U.S. jurisdictions. The authors highlight that naturalistic, non‑clinical use of psychedelics has increased in recent years and that many people report self‑medicating for mental health problems; however, the relationship between this naturalistic use and mainstream healthcare remains poorly characterised. They also note potential safety concerns arising from lack of medical oversight, possible adverse reactions in at‑risk individuals, and the presence of adulterants in unregulated substances, which could be mitigated by drug testing kits or laboratory services.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Topic
- Authors
- APA Citation
Glynos, N. G., Fields, C. W., Barron, J., Herberholz, M., Kruger, D. J., & Boehnke, K. F. (2023). Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: A World Apart from Clinical Care. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 55(4), 379-388. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2022.2108356
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Mallaroni, P., Mason, N. L., Kloft, L. et al. · Frontiers in Neuroscience (2023)
Boehnke, K. F., Cox, K., Weston, C. et al. · Frontiers in Psychiatry (2023)
Glynos, N., Kruger, D. J., Kolbman, N. et al. · Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (2023)
Boehnke, K. F., Kruger, D. J., Lucas, P. · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction (2023)
Kopra, E., Ferris, J. A., Winstock, A. R. et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2023)
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