Use of psilocybin (“mushrooms”) among US adults: 2015-2018
Pooled 2015–2018 NSDUH data from 168,650 US adults show 9.68% reported lifetime psilocybin use, with higher prevalence among bisexual-identifying individuals and substantial overlap with LSD, methamphetamine and heroin users. These findings can inform harm-reduction efforts and behavioural‑health messaging.
Authors
- Yockey, R. A.
- King, K. A.
Published
Abstract
We sought to estimate the prevalence of lifetime psilocybin use among a national sample of US adults ages 18 and older and associated demographic/substance use correlates. Pooled data from the 2015–2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were utilized among 168,650 individuals 18 years or older. An estimated 9.68% of individuals reported lifetime use of psilocybin. Differences were found among demographics, drug use, and sexual identity, with bisexual identification being associated with greater lifetime use. Nearly two-thirds of individuals who have ever used Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), methamphetamine, and/or heroin also reportedly used psilocybin. Findings from the present study can inform harm reduction efforts and behavioral health messaging.
Research Summary of 'Use of psilocybin (“mushrooms”) among US adults: 2015-2018'
Introduction
Psilocybin, the principal psychoactive compound in many species of mushrooms, acts as a serotonergic prodrug to psilocin and has a long history of both recreational and investigational therapeutic use. Interest in its clinical potential for conditions such as depression, obsessive–compulsive disorder and substance dependence has resurged despite its Schedule I status, and prior studies report generally low physical toxicity but transient psychological side effects. However, the epidemiology of psilocybin use in nationally representative samples of US adults remains poorly characterised, limiting efforts to target prevention, harm reduction or service planning. Yockey and colleagues set out to estimate the lifetime prevalence of psilocybin use among US adults aged 18 and older and to identify demographic and substance‑use correlates. The study therefore aims to fill a gap in population‑level data on who reports ever using psilocybin and how that use relates to other illicit drug use, sociodemographic characteristics and sexual orientation.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Compounds
- Topics
- APA Citation
Yockey, A., & King, K. (2021). Use of psilocybin (“mushrooms”) among US adults: 2015-2018. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 5(1), 17-21. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2020.00159
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Cited By (13)
Papers in Blossom that reference this study
Zhou, K., De Wied, D., Carhart-Harris, R. L. et al. · PNAS (2025)
Neitzke-Spruill, L., Beit, C., Robinson, J. et al. · Neuroethics (2024)
Barnett, B. S., Arakelian, M., Beebe, D. et al. · Psychedelic Medicine (2024)
Nayak, S., Jackson, H., Sepeda, N. D. et al. · Frontiers in Psychiatry (2023)
Kruger, D. J., Enghoff, O., Herberholz, M. et al. · Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (2023)
Weleff, J., Anand, A., Dewey, E. N. et al. · MedRvix (2022)
DellaCrosse, M., Pleet, M. M., Morton, E. et al. · PLOS ONE (2022)
Glynos, N., Fields, C. W., Barron, J. et al. · Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (2022)
Sarparast, A., Thomas, K., Malcolm, B. et al. · Psychopharmacology (2022)
Altman, B. R., Earleywine, M., De Leo, J. · Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (2022)
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Matzopoulos, R., Morlock, A., Morlock, R. et al. · MedRvix (2021)
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Zeifman, R. J., Singhal, N., Breslow, L. et al. · ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science (2021)
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