Exploring Motivations, Experiences, and Consequences of Psychedelic Use in Aotearoa New Zealand.

An online survey of 997 people in Aotearoa New Zealand who had used a classical psychedelic found that worst experiences differed substantially from best experiences across emotional, cognitive, and relational domains, while typical experiences more closely resembled best experiences. Motivations for use changed after the initial experience, and motivations associated with different experience types varied. A higher number of psychedelic use occasions, along with therapeutic and growth-oriented motivations, were significant predictors of positive psychological health impact. Consequences of psychedelic use were mostly positive, with best experiences resulting in the most benefit. The findings highlight the potential of psychedelic experiences for personal growth and wellbeing.

Study at a glance

Abstract

While interest in psychedelic research has recently increased globally, little is known about use in Aotearoa New Zealand. Therefore, we sought to explore motivations, features of subjective experience, and impact of use. We also aimed to explore and compare positive, typical, and worst experiences. An online survey was completed by 997 individuals who had used at least one classical psychedelic in Aotearoa New Zealand. Worst, best, and typical experiences were compared, and logistic regression analysis was used to explore predictors of positive psychological health impact. Worst experiences differed substantially from best experiences across emotional, cognitive, and relational domains, while typical experiences more closely resembled best experiences. Motivations for use changed after initial experience, and motivations associated with different experience types varied. A higher number of psychedelic use occasions, as well as therapeutic and growth-oriented motivations, were significant predictors of positive psychological health impact. Consequences of psychedelic use were mostly positive, with best psychedelic experiences resulting in the most benefit. The findings highlight the potential of psychedelic experiences for personal growth and wellbeing and emphasize the need for an open-minded approach to drug education and policy development for the minimization of harm and maximization of benefit regarding psychedelics.