Perceptions of the medicinal value of hallucinogenic drugs among college students
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – October 17, 2017
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Despite emerging evidence in medicine and psychiatry, a survey of 124 college students revealed reluctance to accept hallucinogen-assisted therapy. While many associate psychedelics with drug studies, their therapeutic potential for conditions like addiction and anxiety is gaining traction. Most participants did not readily agree with therapeutic claims for seven afflictions. Intriguingly, a majority still supported further exploration into the medicinal benefits of these substances, highlighting a fascinating perception in psychology regarding these compounds, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, in complementary and alternative medicine studies.
Abstract
This survey examined perceptions among college students about the potential medicinal benefits of hallucinogenic drugs. Current research and potential benefits include an ability to help anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction with hallucinogen-assisted psychotherapy. We devised and administered a survey on 124 students at two college campuses, one small private college in the mid-Atlantic and one medium-sized public university in the Midwest of the United States. Responses were similar across campuses, and in general, participants were reluctant to agree that hallucinogens can be therapeutic to the seven afflictions we questioned them about. However, the survey also revealed that a majority of participants believed there should be further research done exploring the medicinal benefits of such drugs. These findings shed light on perceptions of hallucinogens as their use is being applied to a host of afflictions.