LSD use was linked with a higher likelihood of major depressive episodes and suicidal thinking, while salvia divinorum use was associated with increased suicidal thinking and DMT/AMT/Foxy use with suicidal planning. In contrast, ecstasy (MDMA) use was linked with a lower likelihood of serious psychological distress, major depressive episodes, and suicidal thinking. These findings from a large US national survey indicate that different hallucinogens have distinct associations with depression and suicidality, highlighting the need for further research on risks and consequences of nonmedical hallucinogen use.
An estimated 0.9% of US individuals aged 12 or older used ecstasy/MDMA in the past year, based on a national survey from 2015 to 2020. Use was more common among younger people, with those aged 35–49 as the reference; those over 50 had very low odds of use. Bisexual women and people identifying as Asian, Black, or multiracial had higher odds of use compared with heterosexual men or White individuals. Past-year use of other drugs, prescription drug misuse, nicotine dependence, and alcohol use disorder were also associated with increased odds. The findings can help inform prevention and harm reduction strategies for high-risk subpopulations.