This interview study (n=30) reviewed the experiences of subjects who have used psychedelics (e.g. LSD, psilocybin) in small quantities (microdosing) to understand their reasons and how they perceived themselves in their conventional lives in the context of their narrative identity. The study opined that the acute use of such psychedelics in small quantities allowed the subjects to rationalize their reasons due to their procurement and administration practices as well as health reasons. This helped them normalize their drug use, facilitated persistence and saw themselves as conventional citizens with middle-class values. This reasoning ultimately allows them to distance themselves from those who “abuse” psychedelics.
Abstract of Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics
“Background Microdosing involves ingesting a small dose of a classic psychedelic (e.g., LSD and psilocybin) at regular intervals for prolonged periods. The practice is said to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and offer several creative and practical benefits to users. Using the narrative identity theoretical framework, our aim was to explore the experiences of those who microdosed classic psychedelics. Specifically, we sought to understand how and why they began microdosing and how they made sense of their actions in the context of their conventional lives.
Methods To understand the experiences of those who microdose classic psychedelics, we rely on data collected from semi-structured interviews with 30 people who had microdosed.
Results Participants saw themselves as conventional citizens who microdosed for rational and instrumental purposes. They emphasized the rationality of microdosing by discussing (1) the practicality of their procurement and administration processes, (2) the connection between their microdosing practice and their general awareness in health and wellness, and (3) the benefits of the practice.
Conclusion Participants described their microdosing in the context of embracing traditional middle-class values. This created social distance between themselves and those who use drugs recreationally. While people who use drugs recreationally typically construct boundaries by distancing themselves from symbolic others (i.e., “crackheads,” “meth heads,” “junkies”), microdosers constructed boundaries by emphasizing connections to conventional citizens who embrace middle-class values. This connection to conventional citizens allows them to normalize their drug use and facilitates persistence.“
Authors: Megan Webb, Heith Copes & Peter S. Hendricks
Summary of Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics
Classic psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, are psychoactive substances that alter the user’s perception, mood, and cognitive processes. Users report positive, life-changing experiences, and scientists are investigating the effectiveness of classic psychedelics in treating end-of-life distress, drug addiction, and other mental health conditions.
Recent years have seen renewed interest in classic psychedelic use among the general public. People microdose classic psychedelics for a range of salubrious outcomes, including improving mood, heightening creativity, and reducing anxiety.
Although research on those who microdose is increasing, only one study has examined those who do it using qualitative methods. The study found that participants experienced positive effects from microdosing.
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Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.013
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Cite this paper (APA)
Webb, M., Copes, H., & Hendricks, P. S. (2019). Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics. International Journal of Drug Policy, 70, 33-39.
Study details
Compounds studied
LSD
Psilocybin
Topics studied
Microdosing
Study characteristics
Interviews
Participants
30
Humans