This cross-sectional study (n=2,510) of U.S. adults with psychedelic experience found that participants retrospectively reported widespread improvements in health behaviours including reduced alcohol (66%) and tobacco (49%) use, better dietary habits (49%), and decreased impulsivity (48-72%), with microdosers and frequent users showing greater positive changes.
Abstract of Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings
“Objective: Psychedelics have been increasingly studied for their potential to influence mental health and well-being, yet their relationship with broader health behaviors remains underexplored. This study examined associations between lifetime psychedelic use and health-related behaviors, including substance use, dietary habits, and impulsive tendencies.
Methods: Using an extensive cross-sectional online survey, we analyzed responses from 2510 US adults reporting at least one lifetime psychedelic experience. Participants retrospectively assessed changes in behaviors following psychedelic exposure.
Results: Respondents reported improvements in various health behaviors, including reduced alcohol (66 %) and tobacco (49 %) use, improved dietary habits (49 %), and decreases in impulsive behaviors (48–72 %). Those who reported more frequent psychedelic use or engagement in microdosing were more likely to endorse positive behavioral changes (p < .001). Furthermore, while some participants reported harms associated with psychedelic use, the majority perceived lasting benefits.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that psychedelic use is associated with broad behavioral adaptations beyond mental health, including important areas such diet, and alcohol and tobacco use. Compared with those who use full doses, participants who microdosed reported a more positive behavioral profile.“
Authors: Pedro J. Teixeira, Rakesh Jain, Andrew D. Penn, Steven P. Cole, Saundra Jain, Arlen C. Moller, Helena Amaro & Charles Raison
Summary of Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings
Psychedelics, once viewed solely as drugs of abuse, are increasingly recognised for their therapeutic potential in mental health and behavioural interventions. Both classic psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin and non-classic substances like ketamine and MDMA have demonstrated promising effects on psychiatric disorders and behavioural outcomes. Evidence suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy can lead to significant improvements in conditions such as tobacco and alcohol addiction. For instance, previous studies have observed long-term reductions in substance use, including abstinence from tobacco for extended periods and substantial decreases in alcohol consumption compared to control groups.
Beyond controlled clinical settings, the naturalistic use of psychedelics has also been linked to positive outcomes, such as reductions in alcohol and opioid misuse and improvements in lifestyle habits like diet and exercise. Observational studies have indicated lower risks of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes among psychedelic users, further suggesting a broader impact on health-related behaviours. Additionally, there is some evidence associating psychedelics with reductions in externalising problems, such as aggression and criminal activity, although research in this area remains limited. For example, individuals with a history of psychedelic use have shown lower odds of violent behaviour and criminal offences compared to non-users.
Despite these findings, gaps remain in understanding whether the benefits observed in controlled clinical trials translate to naturalistic settings, where psychedelics are used without structured therapeutic frameworks. Naturalistic research can provide valuable insights due to its ecological validity and ability to capture diverse populations, bypassing some restrictions associated with clinical studies. Against this backdrop, the Psychedelics and Wellness Study (PAWS) aimed to explore the associations between lifetime psychedelic use and health-related behaviours, focusing on diet, substance use, and impulse control related to aggression, criminality, and suicidality. The study also examined the influence of factors such as specific substances used, dosage, and frequency of use.
Methods
Study Design
Find this paper
Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103161
Open Access | Google Scholar | Backup | 🕊
Cite this paper (APA)
Teixeira, P. J., Jain, R., Penn, A. D., Cole, S. P., Jain, S., Moller, A. C., ... & Raison, C. (2025). Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings. Preventive Medicine Reports, 103161.
Study details
Compounds studied
LSD
Psilocybin
DMT
5-MeO-DMT
Ayahuasca
Mescaline
Topics studied
Microdosing
Public Health, Prevention & Behaviour Change
Study characteristics
Survey
Participants
2510
Humans