Naturalistic Use of Mescaline Is Associated with Self-Reported Psychiatric Improvements and Enduring Positive Life Changes.
ACS pharmacology & translational science April 9, 2021 Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Trevor F Haas, Rafael Lancelotta et al. 121 citations
Most people who used mescaline in natural settings reported lasting improvements in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders, with 68–86% of those with a history of these conditions noting subjective improvement after their most memorable experience. Those who improved reported stronger acute mystical-type, psychological insight, and ego dissolution effects (Cohen's d 0.7–1.5). For 35–50% of respondents, the mescaline experience ranked among the top five most spiritually significant or meaningful events of their lives. Psychological insight during the experience was linked to higher odds of improvement in depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug use disorders. The authors call for controlled clinical trials to confirm these preliminary findings.