The psychedelic resurgence: Opportunities for behavioral and mental wellness and theory development
Talea Cornelius, Jorge Encantado, Laura Lopes de Carvalho, Pedro J. Teixeira, Pedro Rodrigues
European Health Psychologist August 25, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.62696/zz08xq39 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic treatments are associated with improvements in health and well-being, including healthier diets and lower heart disease rates. The article reviews early research and the recent resurgence in studies focusing on mental health and substance abuse. It highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind these positive changes and emphasizes the social context of psychedelic experiences, noting different effects when used alone versus with a partner.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Psychedelic use is linked to healthier diets and lower rates of heart disease, with differential impacts observed based on social context. |
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Abstract
Psychedelic treatments show promise for improving health and well-being. This article summarizes the history of early psychedelic research and its recent renaissance. Although much of this research focuses on mental health and substance abuse, observational studies have linked psychedelic use to outcomes such as healthier diet, lower rates of heart disease, and even spontaneous, positive changes in health-related outcomes. The importance of understanding mechanisms that underlie psychedelic impacts - i.e., why positive changes occur - was emphasized (“Behavioral Psychedelics”), as was the need for attention to the social context of psychedelic experiences. Evidence for differential impacts of psychedelic use with v. without a partner, and impacts of psychedelic use on close relationships, was presented.