J Psychoactive Drugs
April 26, 2017
Matthew M. Nour, Lisa Evans, Robin L. Carhart-Harris
230 citations
People who have used psychedelics in natural settings tend to hold more liberal and less authoritarian political views, score higher on the personality trait of openness, and feel more connected to nature, even after accounting for other drug use and potential confounders. The degree of ego dissolution during a person's most intense psychedelic experience also predicts these same outcomes. The findings come from an anonymous internet survey of 893 participants who reported their lifetime use of psychedelics, cocaine, and alcohol, and completed measures of personality, nature relatedness, and political attitudes. Cocaine use and weekly alcohol consumption did not show the same associations.
J Psychoactive Drugs
June 1, 2005
Marlene Dobkin De Rios, Charles S. Grob
22 citations
This editorial introduces a special issue examining ayahuasca use across different cultural contexts, from indigenous Amazonian traditions to contemporary global therapeutic settings. It highlights how the visionary brew, traditionally used as sacred plant medicine for spiritual and personal growth, healing, and ritual purposes, has increasingly attracted Western interest for consciousness expansion, psychological well-being, and emotional wellness. The introduction sets the stage for exploring cross-cultural healing practices, ethnobotanical knowledge, and the integration of indigenous medicine into alternative and global therapeutic frameworks, emphasizing both the potential benefits and the need for respectful, informed engagement with these traditions.
J Psychoactive Drugs
July 1, 1983
Stanley Krippner, Michael Winkelman
7 citations
Maria Sabina, a Mazatec healer from Oaxaca, Mexico, is renowned for her ceremonial use of sacred mushrooms (entheogens) to facilitate spiritual healing and expanded consciousness. Her indigenous wisdom and role as a curandera highlight the integration of psychoactive plants in traditional medicine, emphasizing natural remedies and altered states for spiritual purposes. This work describes her life and practices within the context of ethnobotany and indigenous spirituality.
J Psychoactive Drugs
November 7, 2024
Sean M. Viña
6 citations
Both lifetime classic psychedelic use and religious attendance are associated with lower psychological distress, but their interaction is complex. Among people who have used psychedelics, higher religious salience (the personal importance of religion) is linked to greater distress, weakening the protective effect of religion alone. However, individuals who both attend religious services frequently and report high religious salience show the lowest distress levels of any group. The findings come from a large U.S. survey of over 458,000 respondents conducted between 2008 and 2019.
J Psychoactive Drugs
October 30, 2024
Mitch Earleywine, Genevieve S. Falabella, Alyssa B. Oliva et al.
3 citations
This study examined how acute psychedelic experiences relate to changes in dysfunctional attitudes and subsequent improvements in wellbeing. Participants who underwent psychedelic sessions showed reductions in dysfunctional attitudes, such as rigid negative beliefs, in the post-acute period. These changes were associated with increased wellbeing, suggesting that shifts in cognitive patterns may mediate the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. The findings indicate that the acute psychedelic reaction can trigger lasting psychological changes that contribute to enhanced wellbeing.
J Psychoactive Drugs
June 1, 2005
Dennis J. Mckenna
2 citations
Drawing on a lifetime of research with ayahuasca, the author argues that humanity's ancient relationship with this shamanic plant now serves a critical purpose: broadcasting a message to avert global ecological catastrophe. At this historical juncture, ayahuasca offers teachings that could guide societal, political, and planetary transformation, but the urgent question remains whether humanity will hear and heed this message in time to avoid disaster.
J Psychoactive Drugs
November 10, 2025
Nicky J. Mehtani, Maha N. Mian, Gabrielle Agin-Liebes et al.
1 citation
A novel approach combines psychedelic therapy with 12-step programs to improve engagement in community-based recovery from substance use disorders. The authors argue that psychedelics may enhance openness, spiritual experiences, and social bonding, which could increase participation in 12-step meetings and practices. This accessible strategy aims to leverage existing recovery communities, potentially broadening treatment options without requiring extensive clinical infrastructure. The paper presents a theoretical framework for integrating these modalities, suggesting that such augmentation could improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders, though empirical evidence is not provided.
J Psychoactive Drugs
September 4, 2024
Georgia Best, Eva Morunga, Alesha Wells et al.
1 citation
Māori and non-Māori cancer patients in Aotearoa New Zealand show moderate openness to psychedelic-assisted therapy, with 42% of participants expressing interest. The survey of 100 patients found that Māori respondents were significantly more likely to view psychedelic-assisted therapy as acceptable compared to non-Māori respondents. Safety concerns and lack of information were the most common barriers across both groups. The findings suggest that cultural considerations and tailored education may be important for integrating such therapies into supportive cancer care.
J Psychoactive Drugs
October 23, 2025
A.M. Ortiz Bernal, C.L. Raison, R.L. Lancelotta et al.
Among Spanish-speaking individuals who have used 5-MeO-DMT, spontaneous re-experiences of the substance's effects—often called reactivations—are relatively common, typically non-distressing, and often positively valenced. The study reports the prevalence of these reactivations and identifies predictors such as higher doses and greater emotional impact during the original experience. Most users describe these residual effects as neutral or positive, contributing to lasting well-being rather than distress.