Contextual Parameters Associated with Positive and Negative Mental Health in Recreational Psychedelic Users.

Recreational psychedelic use can either improve or harm mental health depending on how and why they are used. A survey of 511 psychedelic users found that frequent use and using the substances to cope with negative emotions predicted worse mental health. In contrast, using psychedelics in a group setting, with intentions of self-expansion, and engaging in post-use integration predicted better mental health. The findings underscore the importance of set and setting—the user's mindset and environment—in determining outcomes, suggesting that recreational use is not inherently beneficial or harmful but depends on contextual factors.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Growing research exploring the utility of psychedelic substances suggests that they not only hold promise for clinical practice but may enhance mental health through recreational use as well. However, given the importance of set and setting for maximizing benefits and minimizing harms of drug use, it is important to develop a foundational understanding of the contextual factors associated with positive and negative mental health in psychedelic users. Accordingly, data were collected using an internet-based survey of psychedelic drug users (n = 511). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to explore to what degree life-time use, frequency of use, dose size, group use, intentions for use, and post-use integration predict mental health in psychedelic users. In particular, using psychedelics with high frequency and to cope with negative affect were found to predict negative mental health. Conversely, using psychedelics in a group setting, with self-expansive intentions, and integrating post-use were found to predict positive mental health. Findings suggest that recreational psychedelic use may either enhance or diminish mental health depending on the contextual parameters of use. Limitations and areas for further research are discussed.