The Association of Classic Serotonergic Psychedelic Use and Intention of Future Use with Nature Relatedness
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 19, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Users of classic serotonergic psychedelics, like ayahuasca and psilocybe mushrooms, reported significantly higher nature relatedness (NR) scores. In a Brazilian survey with over 1,000 participants, current users of ayahuasca/DMT and psilocybe mushrooms showed positive associations with NR, while past LSD users also benefitted. Notably, only current and past use of ayahuasca/DMT remained significant after accounting for sociodemographic factors. Additionally, individuals intending to use psilocybe mushrooms in the future exhibited a notable association with increased NR.
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the effects of different substances on nature relatedness (NR) in the general population. An online cross-sectional survey done in Brazil investigated use of ayahuasca/DMT, psilocybe mushrooms, LSD, MDMA/ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol. NR was assessed using the short-form version of the nature related scale (NR-6). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess group differences between substance naïve-individuals, past users, and current users of each substance. Regression models were used including all the substances and subsequently, sociodemographic variables. ANOVAs with substances which showed significantly higher NR-6 scores in the regression model were used in order to assess the effect of intention of future use on NR. ANOVAs indicated higher NR in users of classic serotonergic psychedelics (ayahuasca/DMT, psilocybe mushrooms, LSD), cannabis, and MDMA/ecstasy. Regression models showed that current use of ayahuasca/DMT and psilocybe mushrooms, and past use of LSD had a positive association with NR. When sociodemographic variables were added, only ayahuasca/DMT past and current use were positively associated with NR. Intention of future use was only significantly associated with NR in individuals who reported intention of future use of psilocybe mushrooms.