This observational field study (n=101) investigated the frequency of peak experiences occurring under the influence of psilocybin at a music festival. Compared to non-users’ experiences, most psilocybin users reported that their peak experience occurred during psilocybin use.
Abstract of Peak Experiences of Psilocybin Users and Non-Users
“Introduction: Maslow (1970) defined peak experiences as the most wonderful experiences of a person’s life, which may include a sense of awe, well-being, or transcendence. Furthermore, recent research has suggested that psilocybin can produce experiences subjectively rated as uniquely meaningful and significant (Griffiths et al. 2006). Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. It is therefore possible that psilocybin may facilitate or change the nature of peak experiences in users compared to non-users.
Methods: This study was designed to compare the peak experiences of psilocybin users and non-users, to evaluate the frequency of peak experiences while under the influence of psilocybin, and to assess the perceived degree of alteration of consciousness during these experiences. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling from undergraduate classes and at a musical event. Participants were divided into three groups, those who reported a peak experience while under the influence of psilocybin (psilocybin peak experience: PPE), participants who had used psilocybin but reported their peak experiences did not occur while they were under the influence of psilocybin (non-psilocybin peak experience: NPPE), and participants who had never used psilocybin (non-user: NU). A total of 101 participants were asked to think about their peak experiences and complete a measure evaluating the degree of alteration of consciousness during that experience.
Results: indicated that 47% of psilocybin users reported their peak experience occurred while using psilocybin. In addition, there were significant differences among the three groups on all dimensions of alteration of consciousness.
Discussion: Future research is necessary to identify factors that influence the peak experiences of psilocybin users in naturalistic settings and contribute to the different characteristics of peak experiences of psilocybin users and non-users.”
Authors: Christina Cummins & Jennifer Lyke
Summary of Peak Experiences of Psilocybin Users and Non-Users
The dissociative anesthetic ketamine has been shown to have fast-acting antidepressant-like effects, although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Ketamine is also associated with psychotomimetic effects.
Ketamine produces a wide range of psychotomimetic states depending on the individual, their expectations, the setting and the dose. The intensity of these alterations of consciousness and perception is dose-dependent.
Ketamine infusion improves core symptoms of depression and is disconnected from ketamine-induced psychotomimetic symptoms. The pharmaceutical industry has tried to develop new NMDA antagonists with antidepressant, without provoking psychotomimetic symptoms.
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Peak Experiences of Psilocybin Users and Non-Users
https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2013.785855
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Cite this paper (APA)
Cummins, C., & Lyke, J. (2013). Peak experiences of psilocybin users and non-users. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 45(2), 189-194.