Contextual Parameters Associated with Positive and Negative Mental Health in Recreational Psychedelic Users.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelic use can significantly impact mental health, with a survey of 511 users revealing that the context of use is crucial. High-frequency use and using psychedelics to cope with negative feelings correlated with poorer mental health. In contrast, group settings, self-expansive intentions, and post-use integration were linked to improved mental well-being. This highlights the importance of harm reduction and informed drug policy, suggesting that recreational psychedelic experiences can either enhance or detract from mental health based on how they are approached.
Abstract
Growing research exploring the utility of psychedelic substances suggests that they not only hold promise for clinical practice but may enhance mental health through recreational use as well. However, given the importance of set and setting for maximizing benefits and minimizing harms of drug use, it is important to develop a foundational understanding of the contextual factors associated with positive and negative mental health in psychedelic users. Accordingly, data were collected using an internet-based survey of psychedelic drug users (n = 511). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to explore to what degree life-time use, frequency of use, dose size, group use, intentions for use, and post-use integration predict mental health in psychedelic users. In particular, using psychedelics with high frequency and to cope with negative affect were found to predict negative mental health. Conversely, using psychedelics in a group setting, with self-expansive intentions, and integrating post-use were found to predict positive mental health. Findings suggest that recreational psychedelic use may either enhance or diminish mental health depending on the contextual parameters of use. Limitations and areas for further research are discussed.