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Toby Lea

UNSW Sydney

3 papers in the library · 240 citations · publishing 2019-2025

Papers

Psychedelic Microdosing: A Subreddit Analysis

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 24, 2019 Toby Lea, Nicole Amada, Henrik Jungaberle 121 citations

People are self-administering very low doses of psychedelic drugs, known as microdosing, to improve mental health, wellbeing, and cognitive function, but little research has been conducted. A content analysis of Reddit discussions examined motivations, dosing practices, and perceived benefits and limitations. Motivations included managing mental health issues, improving psychosocial wellbeing, and cognitive enhancement. Self-reported benefits included cognitive and creative enhancement, reduced depression and anxiety, enhanced self-insight, improved mood, and better social interactions. Limitations included dosing problems, adverse physical effects, taking illegal substances, limited or no improvement, increased anxiety, and concerns about dependence. Standard doses in therapeutic settings show potential for treating mental health conditions, but clinical research on microdosing is needed.

DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1683260 Psychology Pharmacology Medicine

A qualitative analysis of participant expectations and experiences of psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy for methamphetamine use disorder

Addiction December 22, 2025 Jonathan Brett, Toby Lea, Elizabeth Knock et al.

People with methamphetamine use disorder who took part in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy reported that the treatment was acceptable and often transformative. Before treatment, participants held tempered hopes for positive outcomes. During the psychedelic sessions, many confronted challenging emotional or psychic obstacles by deliberately 'leaning into' them, a process that led to new understandings of themselves, their personal histories, and their relationships. Resolving these obstacles was associated with a reduced importance of methamphetamine in their lives. The therapeutic relationship—characterized by concentrated attention and deep interpersonal intimacy between participant and therapist—was seen as critical to these positive changes.

DOI: 10.1111/add.70284 Qualitative research Qualitative analysis Interpersonal communication Focus group +8