Could classic psychedelics influence immigrants’ acculturation process? A narrative review contemplating how

Immigrants face mental and physical health burdens during acculturation, and classic psychedelics may help them process discrimination, make healthier decisions, and feel more connected. This literature review outlines a research roadmap for exploring how psychedelics could benefit this growing minority group, based on initial findings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Rising international migration, paired with increasing public support for far-right political parties, poses a growing challenge to the countries tasked with successfully integrating immigrants into their society. Further complicating this matter is the fact that the acculturation process which immigrants undergo to fully integrate into their host society can be long, difficult, and taxing to their mental health, physical health, and sense of belonging. A better understanding of how the unique burdens faced by immigrants might be alleviated or more easily processed is therefore vital for the success of both immigrants and their host countries. Drawing on initial findings suggesting that classic psychedelics can help individuals process incidents of discrimination, make healthier decisions, and experience deeper feelings of connectedness to others, this literature review presents a roadmap for determining what classic psychedelics may offer immigrants, a large and rapidly growing international minority group.