Psychedelic experiences and long-term spiritual growth: a systematic review

A systematic review of 34 empirical studies (19,724 participants from 32 independent samples) examined links between psychedelic use and long-term spiritual growth. Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and DMT were studied most often. Findings indicate that psychedelic use is associated with multiple subjective indicators of spiritual growth: stronger perceived connections with the divine, greater sense of meaning, increased spiritual faith, more engagement in religious and spiritual practices, heightened feelings of unity and self-transcendence, positive worldview changes, increased connectedness with others, and reduced fear of death. These facets often co-occurred, and higher ratings of mystical experiences positively correlated with perceived spiritual growth.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Psychedelic substances, which can occasion mystical experiences, are sometimes used for religious and spiritual reasons. Despite strong links between psychedelics and spirituality, no previous systematic review has investigated connections between psychedelics and indicators of long-term spiritual growth. Thus, 34 empirical studies were analyzed with 19,724 total participants from 32 independent samples. A variety of methodologies were used among the reviewed studies, and some studies included international samples. Results showed that psychedelics—especially classic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, LSD, and DMT)—have been studied more often in this context than other substances. Findings indicate that psychedelic use is linked with a variety of subjective indicators of spiritual growth, including stronger perceived connections with the divine, a greater sense of meaning, increased spiritual faith, increased engagement in religious and spiritual practices, an increase in feelings of unity and self-transcendence, positive changes in worldview, increased connectedness with others, and reduced fear of death. Many studies that reported on one of these indicators also reported on others, implying a co-occurrence of these facets during and after psychedelic experiences. Spiritual growth was often related to mystical experiences, with higher mystical experience ratings associating positively with perceived spiritual growth.