Contextual Parameters Associated with Positive and Negative Mental Health in Recreational Psychedelic Users.
Journal of psychoactive drugs January 1, 2023 Kevin O St Arnaud, Donald Sharpe 31 citations
Recreational psychedelic use can either improve or harm mental health depending on how and why they are used. A survey of 511 psychedelic users found that frequent use and using the substances to cope with negative emotions predicted worse mental health. In contrast, using psychedelics in a group setting, with intentions of self-expansion, and engaging in post-use integration predicted better mental health. The findings underscore the importance of set and setting—the user's mindset and environment—in determining outcomes, suggesting that recreational use is not inherently beneficial or harmful but depends on contextual factors.