Changed Substance Use After Psychedelic Experiences Among Individuals in Canada

This cross-sectional online survey (n=1639) investigated self-reported changes in substance use associated with past or current psychedelic use. Results indicate that 43% reported decreasing or ceasing alcohol, cocaine, or antidepressant use. Conversely, the highest rates of increased use were reported for cannabis and tobacco products (10%). Key reasons for substance use reductions included increased self-connection, less anxiety or depression, and connection with nature and others. Factors leading to reduction in any substance use included the motivation to treat a medical condition, the number of psychedelics used, younger age, and using both microdoses and macrodoses.

Abstract of Changed Substance Use After Psychedelic Experiences Among Individuals in Canada

“We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adults (n = 1639; 56.3% women) self-reporting past or current psychedelic use. We investigated whether psychedelic use was associated with self-reported changes in the use of other substances. Participants reported substantial changes, with 43.8% (n = 651/1488) decreasing or ceasing alcohol use, 42.5% (n = 272/640) ceasing or decreasing antidepressant use, and 42.4% (n = 200/471) decreasing or ceasing cocaine use. The highest rates of increased use were for cannabis (10.9%; n = 151/1383) and tobacco products (9.3%; n = 60/646). The most common reasons for substance use reductions were feeling more connected with self (73%; n = 632), nature (55%; n = 476), and others (54.6%; n = 473), as well as feeling less anxious or depressed (59.4%; n = 514). Factors associated with reduction in any substance use included motivation to treat a medical condition, number of psychedelics used, younger age, and using both microdoses and macrodoses. This real-world evidence should be rigorously investigated in future studies.”

Authors: Kevin F. Boehnke, Daniel J. Kruger & Philippe Lucas