This survey (n=1,221) of psychedelic users assesses attitudes towards altered states of consciousness in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) and the potential of non-hallucinogenic analogues. Most participants (76%) believe altered states are crucial for therapeutic effects, but 61% would try a non-hallucinogenic alternative. Additionally, respondents consider $70–80 per hour a reasonable cost for PAP services, which is below current market rates.
Abstract of Attitudes of psychedelic users regarding cost of treatment and non-hallucinogenic alternatives
“Background and aims Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is currently being studied as a possible treatment option for multiple disorders. Despite promising safety and efficacy findings, the high costs of the current PAP model makes it questionable if the treatment will be scalable. Non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs have been developed as a potential cost-effective alternative, but it is unclear what psychedelic users perceive as a reasonable cost for treatment and whether they would be open to trying a non-hallucinogenic analog.
Methods We queried a large sample of people using psychedelics naturalistically (N = 1,221) about their attitudes regarding the role of altered states of consciousness in PAP outcomes, costs of treatment, and their openness to trying a non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog for treating a mental health condition.
Results We found that most (76%) participants considered altered states of consciousness as very or extremely important to the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. Despite this, most (61%) were also moderately, very, or extremely likely to try a non-hallucinogenic substance if given the chance. Lastly, participants considered approximately $70–80 per hour to be a reasonable cost for various aspects of psychedelic services (e.g., preparation, integration, and dosing sessions).
Conclusions Participants valued the role of altered states of consciousness in therapeutic changes attributed to psychedelics, but were still open to trying a non-hallucinogenic analog. Notably, the price participants considered to be a reasonable amount for PAP is well below current market projections. Future research is needed to address limitations of the study as well as to identify ways of lowering treatment costs.”
Authors: Jacob S. Aday, Kevin F. Boehnke, Moss Herberholz & Daniel J. Kruger
Summary of Attitudes of psychedelic users regarding cost of treatment and non-hallucinogenic alternatives
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is currently being studied as a possible treatment option for multiple disorders, but the high costs of the current PAP model make it questionable if the treatment will be scalable. Most people using psychedelics naturalistically consider altered states of consciousness to be very important to PAP outcomes.
Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD, as well as related compounds, have preliminarily demonstrated a high level of safety and efficacy for treating psychiatric conditions when paired with psychotherapy. However, the high cost of treatment is a looming bottleneck for the field.
The current brief report was designed to address the simple but critical questions of how people using psychedelics perceive costs for various aspects of PAP as well as their openness to trying a non-hallucinogenic psychedelic derivative.
Materials & Methods
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Attitudes of psychedelic users regarding cost of treatment and non-hallucinogenic alternatives
https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00354
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Cite this paper (APA)
Aday, J. S., Boehnke, K. F., Herberholz, M., & Kruger, D. J. (2024). Attitudes of psychedelic users regarding cost of treatment and non-hallucinogenic alternatives. Journal of Psychedelic Studies.
Study details
Participants
1221
Humans