On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelic
Aixalá, M., Anderson, B. T., Breeksema, J. J., Bremler, R., Brennan, W., Burback, L., Calder, A. E., Carhart-Harris, R. L., Cheung, K., Devenot, N., Evans, J., Gorman, I., Greń, J., Hendricks, P. S., Holoyda, B., Jacobs, E., Krecké, J., Kruger, D. J., Luke, D., Majic, T., Mathai, D. S., McGuire, A. L., Mehtani, N. J., Nash, K., Noorani, T. N., Palitsky, R., Robinson, O., Simonsson, O., Stahre, E., van Elk, M., Yaden, D. B.
This survey (n=30) of psychedelic researchers identifies key research gaps in psychedelic harm and safety. It highlights the need to define types of harm, their predictors, and effective treatments. It also calls for better post-psychedelic support, including online resources, peer support, therapy, and psychiatric care. The authors advocate for increased funding, suggesting that psychedelic investors and companies allocate 1% of their investments to safety measures.
Abstract
Objective This article outlines recommendations from 30 psychedelic researchers on how to create a better psychedelic safety net.Methods A survey of 30 psychedelic researchers asked them to identify key critical research gaps around psychedelic harm and safety.Results The critical research gaps identified by the authors included defining the main types of psychedelic harm, the predictors of those harms, and the most effective way to treat those harms. They also call for better support for those experiencing post-psychedelic difficulties, including better online information, peer support groups, affordable therapy, and psychiatric consultation and medication. Finally, the authors call for better funding to create a psychedelic safety net, and suggest psychedelic philanthropists, investors and companies could commit 1% of their investment in psychedelics into supporting safety measures such as research and support services.Conclusions The authors identify several practical steps to create a better psychedelic safety net and call for more funding to psychedelic safety measures such as research and support services.Relevance to clinical practice The authors outline important gaps in our knowledge around the safety and risk profile of psychedelic medicines and identify practical steps forward for researchers and clinical practitioners to make this promising field safer.