“Go ask Alice, when she’s 10-feet tall”: Psychosocial correlates to lifetime LSD use among a national sample of US adults
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 26, 2019
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Lifetime LSD use is increasingly prevalent among U.S. adults, with a multivariate analysis of 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data revealing key psychosocial factors. Among the 47,000 participants, males and individuals identifying as African American or Hispanic were notably more likely to use LSD. Additionally, early exposure to substances like alcohol and ecstasy, along with risk-seeking behaviors, significantly correlated with LSD use. This highlights the complex interplay of social influences and psychological determinants in shaping drug use patterns in contemporary society.
Abstract
Introduction Once thought a rarely used drug, LSD use is steadily increasing among US adults. A greater understanding of social factors and psychological determinants leading to lifetime LSD use can assist health educators and professionals in treating this growing problem. This study analyzed psychosocial factors related to LSD use among a national sample of adults. Methods A secondary data analysis of the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was performed. Results Results from the final multivariate logistic regression revealed that those who were male, African American or Hispanic, used alcohol, ecstasy, marijuana, inhalants, cocaine, and cigarettes before the age of 21 years, thought about suicide, got a kick out of doing things risky, and tested oneself to do risky things were more likely to use LSD. Conclusions This suggests that psychodynamic processes, for example, possible activation of emotional conflicts – can take place spontaneously – during ayahuasca intake in this particular setting. Some participants attributed symbolic meaning to the visionary content, which was more likely to take place in psychotherapeutically motivated clients. The specific setting influence as well as corresponding expectations of the participants in native wisdom could have considerable influence on experiences and interpretations, such as communication with entities as well as receiving personal teachings.