Values and Beliefs of Psychedelic Drug Users: A Cross-Cultural Study
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2006 Michael Lerner, Michael Lyvers 99 citations
People who use psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin report stronger mystical beliefs (such as oneness with God and the universe), higher spirituality, and greater concern for others, along with lower value on financial prosperity, compared to users of other illegal drugs or social drinkers. These differences held across Israeli and Australian samples. Users of nonpsychedelic illegal drugs showed lower coping ability than both psychedelic users and non-drug users. Both illegal drug groups scored higher on empathy than non-users. The findings may reflect transformative effects of psychedelic experiences, but could also stem from pre-existing traits of those who choose to take psychedelics.