Self-Integration after Recreational Psychedelic Use: Is it a Bulwark against Identity Disturbance?
Journal of Humanistic Psychology September 25, 2025 Jack Versace, James Rucker
Recreational psychedelic users report higher well-being and lower identity loss compared to nonusers, according to an online survey of 63 users and 218 nonusers. Among users, well-being and consolidated identity are strongly correlated, and self-integration behaviors (such as spending time in nature or journaling) are positively linked to both. However, integration behaviors do not significantly reduce severe identity disturbance. The authors caution that recreational psychedelic use carries risks, particularly for individuals with mental health issues, and that self-integration may help consolidate positive psychological growth but does not protect against serious identity problems.