Peak Experiences of Psilocybin Users and Non-Users
This observational field study (n=101) investigated the frequency of peak experiences occurring under the influence of psilocybin at a music festival. Compared to non-users' experiences, most psilocybin users reported that their peak experience occurred during psilocybin use.
Authors
- Cummins, C.
- Lyke, J.
Published
Abstract
Introduction
Maslow (1970) defined peak experiences as the most wonderful experiences of a person's life, which may include a sense of awe, well-being, or transcendence. Furthermore, recent research has suggested that psilocybin can produce experiences subjectively rated as uniquely meaningful and significant (Griffiths et al. 2006). Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. It is therefore possible that psilocybin may facilitate or change the nature of peak experiences in users compared to non-users.
Methods
This study was designed to compare the peak experiences of psilocybin users and non-users, to evaluate the frequency of peak experiences while under the influence of psilocybin, and to assess the perceived degree of alteration of consciousness during these experiences. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling from undergraduate classes and at a musical event. Participants were divided into three groups, those who reported a peak experience while under the influence of psilocybin (psilocybin peak experience: PPE), participants who had used psilocybin but reported their peak experiences did not occur while they were under the influence of psilocybin (non-psilocybin peak experience: NPPE), and participants who had never used psilocybin (non-user: NU). A total of 101 participants were asked to think about their peak experiences and complete a measure evaluating the degree of alteration of consciousness during that experience.
Results
indicated that 47% of psilocybin users reported their peak experience occurred while using psilocybin. In addition, there were significant differences among the three groups on all dimensions of alteration of consciousness.
Discussion
Future research is necessary to identify factors that influence the peak experiences of psilocybin users in naturalistic settings and contribute to the different characteristics of peak experiences of psilocybin users and non-users.
Research Summary of 'Peak Experiences of Psilocybin Users and Non-Users'
Introduction
Peak experiences are described as exceptionally meaningful moments characterised by awe, well-being, transcendence and a loss of ordinary temporal or spatial orientation. Cummins and Lyke situate these events within the history of humanistic and positive psychology and note renewed empirical interest in psychoactive substances such as psilocybin, which in controlled studies has produced experiences subjectively rated as highly meaningful and sometimes akin to mystical states. The authors summarise prior laboratory work indicating persistent positive changes after psilocybin and mention proposed neuropharmacological mechanisms (notably 5-HT2A receptor activity), while emphasising that recreational (naturalistic) use takes place in varied set and setting, which may alter outcomes compared with laboratory conditions. This study set out to compare peak experiences reported by three groups: psilocybin users who reported their peak experience occurred while under the influence of psilocybin (psilocybin peak experience: PPE), psilocybin users whose peak experience did not occur while on psilocybin (non-psilocybin peak experience: NPPE), and participants who had never used psilocybin (non-user: NU). Two primary goals were defined: to estimate what proportion of psilocybin users recalled their peak experience as occurring during psilocybin use, and to test whether the groups differed in the degree and character of altered consciousness during their reported peak. The authors hypothesised that a majority of psilocybin users would report a psilocybin-related peak and that psilocybin users would report greater alteration of consciousness than non-users. The research therefore aims to extend experimental findings into naturalistic contexts and to characterise whether recreational psilocybin experiences differ from other kinds of peak experiences reported by users and non-users.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Compound
- Topic
- APA Citation
Cummins, C., & Lyke, J. (2013). Peak Experiences of Psilocybin Users and Non-Users. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 45(2), 189-194. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2013.785855
References (7)
Papers cited by this study that are also in Blossom
Carter, O., Burr, D. C., Pettigrew, J. D. et al. · Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience (2006)
Griffiths, R. R. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2008)
Griffiths, R. R., Richards, W. A., Mccann, U. et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2006)
Hasler, F., Grimberg, U., Benz, M. A. et al. · Psychopharmacology (2004)
Kometer, M., Cahn, B. R., Andel, D. et al. · Biological Psychiatry (2011)
Passie, T., Seifert, J., Schneider, U. et al. · Addiction Biology (2002)
Richards, W. A. · Archive for the Psychology of Religion (2008)
Cited By (7)
Papers in Blossom that reference this study
Reckweg, J. T., Mason, N. L., Theunissen, E. L. et al. · Frontiers in Psychology (2025)
Card, K. G., Grewal, A., Closson, K. et al. · Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (2023)
Brasher, T., Rosen, D., Spinella, M. · International Journal of Wellbeing (2023)
Stoliker, D., Egan, G. F., Friston, K. J. et al. · Pharmacological Reviews (2022)
Gandy, S. · Journal of Psychedelic Studies (2022)
Arnaud, K. O. S. · Drugs Education Prevention and Policy (2021)
Millière, R. · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2017)
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