Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings.
Preventive medicine reports – August 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelics may significantly enhance health behaviors, with 66% of users reporting reduced alcohol consumption and 49% decreasing tobacco use. An analysis of 2,510 U.S. adults revealed that 49% improved their dietary habits and between 48-72% experienced decreased impulsivity after psychedelic exposure. Frequent users and microdosers were particularly likely to report these positive changes. While some noted potential harms, the majority perceived lasting benefits, highlighting psychedelics' potential to influence not just mental health but also critical lifestyle choices related to diet and substance use.
Abstract
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. 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. 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. 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.