Journal of psychoactive drugs
June 28, 2025
Laura C Carvalho, Jorge Encantado, Hannes Kettner et al.
6 citations
A review of 103 naturalistic psychedelic studies found that most used cross-sectional surveys, ayahuasca was the most studied substance (66%), and ceremonial settings were the most common context (35.9%). Sample characteristics were widely reported but varied considerably, while specific contextual details like music were often missing. The authors call for systematic reporting standards to improve the value of real-world psychedelic research alongside clinical trials.
Journal of psychoactive drugs
March 19, 2026
Pedro J Teixeira, Jorge Encantado, Helena D Amaro et al.
Portuguese adults who participate in ayahuasca ceremonies report good or very good health, with lower rates of chronic disease and obesity compared to the general population. They also report greater physical activity, lower alcohol consumption, and enhanced psychological well-being. Many attribute positive lifestyle changes, reduced substance use, and less reliance on prescription medication to their ayahuasca experiences. These findings align with prior research linking ayahuasca use to health and well-being, though causal pathways remain unclear.
Neuropharmacology
January 1, 2026
Luisa Prochazkova, Laura C Carvalho, Natasza Marrouch et al.
Microdosing psychedelics is associated with self-reported positive changes in health behaviors, particularly in sleep, contemplative practices, physical activity, and work-life balance. A survey of 365 people with microdosing experience found that the intention to change was the strongest predictor of behavioral change, while dose, protocol, and psychiatric status were not significant predictors. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses suggested potential psychological mechanisms including improved mental health, cognitive clarity, self-awareness, self-determination, and relatedness. The findings provide an initial exploration into how microdosing might support health behavior change, but controlled studies are needed to confirm these associations.