Mixed-Methods Study of Use and Attitudes About Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes Among Low-Income U.S. Veterans Nationally.

About 5.6% of low-income U.S. veterans reported having used psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, and 23.2% believed psychedelics should be legalized for therapy. Veterans with more behavioral health issues and a history of psychosocial problems such as homelessness were more likely to have used psychedelics therapeutically and to support legalization. Qualitative responses showed mixed attitudes: positive views came from personal experience and belief in benefits, while negative views centered on concerns about risks and doubts about effectiveness. The findings suggest opportunities for therapeutic psychedelic use among low-income veterans, particularly those with behavioral and social challenges.

Study at a glance

Abstract

There is great public and clinical interest in the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. However, there has been little national study of psychedelic use in the U.S. veteran population. This study used quantitative and qualitative data from a nationally representative survey of 1,031 low-income U.S. veterans who participated in the National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) Study in 2023. In the total sample, lifetime prevalence of psychedelic use for therapeutic purposes was 5.6%, and 23.2% believed psychedelics should be legalized for therapeutics. Veterans who reported more behavioral health issues (e.g. mental and substance use disorders) and had a history of psychosocial problems (e.g. homelessness) were more likely to have used psychedelics for therapeutic reasons and more likely to endorse legalization of psychedelics as therapeutics. Qualitative data revealed mixed attitudes with positive attitudes related to personal experiences and beliefs in the potential benefits of psychedelics, while negative attitudes related to concerns about risks of psychedelics and doubts about their treatment effectiveness. These findings highlight opportunities to use psychedelics as therapeutics among low-income veterans, particularly for those with behavioral and social problems. There is also moderate support in this population toward legalization of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.