Mixed-Methods Study of Use and Attitudes About Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes Among Low-Income U.S. Veterans Nationally.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 24, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Only 5.6% of low-income U.S. veterans have used psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, yet 23.2% support their legalization for mental health treatment. In a survey of 1,031 veterans, those with behavioral health issues and psychosocial problems were more likely to use psychedelics therapeutically. While many expressed positive views based on personal experiences, concerns about risks and effectiveness also emerged. This highlights the potential for psychedelics to address mental health challenges in this population, alongside a growing interest in legalizing these substances for therapeutic use.
Abstract
There is great public and clinical interest in the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. However, there has been little national study of psychedelic use in the U.S. veteran population. This study used quantitative and qualitative data from a nationally representative survey of 1,031 low-income U.S. veterans who participated in the National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) Study in 2023. In the total sample, lifetime prevalence of psychedelic use for therapeutic purposes was 5.6%, and 23.2% believed psychedelics should be legalized for therapeutics. Veterans who reported more behavioral health issues (e.g. mental and substance use disorders) and had a history of psychosocial problems (e.g. homelessness) were more likely to have used psychedelics for therapeutic reasons and more likely to endorse legalization of psychedelics as therapeutics. Qualitative data revealed mixed attitudes with positive attitudes related to personal experiences and beliefs in the potential benefits of psychedelics, while negative attitudes related to concerns about risks of psychedelics and doubts about their treatment effectiveness. These findings highlight opportunities to use psychedelics as therapeutics among low-income veterans, particularly for those with behavioral and social problems. There is also moderate support in this population toward legalization of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.