Over the past century, clinical research on psychedelics has evolved from an early focus on safety into a 'psychedelic renaissance' after the 1990s. A scientometric analysis of 31,687 documents from the Web of Science identified major research themes: hallucinogens/entheogens, entactogens, novel psychoactive substances (NPS), and dissociative substances. The field has shifted from basic science to clinical applications, including phase 2 and 3 trials and evidence synthesis. Recent trends include NPS, ketamine-associated brain changes, and ayahuasca-assisted psychotherapy. The USA and Canada lead in productivity, reflecting legislative influences. This translational evolution has already led to esketamine approval for depression and may lead to further approvals across mental and physical conditions. Toxicology screening tools for NPS are urgently needed and may follow a similar path.
Among 2,796 young Swiss men who had used substances, 32.2% reported at least one type of substance-induced consciousness alteration: 20.5% experienced ego dissolution, 16.7% visual pseudo-hallucinations, and 14.6% anxiety or paranoia. Former and current use of psychedelics and ketamine was linked to all three types and to a positive perceived influence on life. Associations with other substances were less consistent and not statistically significant. Sociability was negatively associated with all three alterations; anxiety-neuroticism was positively associated with ego dissolution and anxiety/paranoia; aggression-hostility with anxiety/paranoia; and sensation seeking with ego dissolution and visual pseudo-hallucinations. The findings suggest psychedelics can induce consciousness alterations perceived as beneficial, even in street-drug users.