LSD use in the United States: Examining user demographics and their evolution from 2015-2019

Lysergic acid (LSD) use in the United States rose by 47% from 2015 to 2019, from 0.59% to 0.87% of the population. However, among people reporting past-year hallucinogen use disorder, there was no significant proportional increase in LSD users. Correlates of LSD use included increased access, lower perceived risk, Asian race, low income, fewer children at home, history of selling drugs, recent drug solicitations, lack of religious influence on decisions, and past-year suicide attempt among adults. No associations were found with unemployment, arrest history, psychological distress, or sexually transmitted infections. The proportion of pregnant, married, and 26–34-year-old LSD users increased, as did LSD use among lifetime methamphetamine users.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background Lysergic acid (LSD) use has risen in the United States (US) in recent years amid increased interest in therapeutic applications of psychedelics. Despite this, contemporary epidemiological investigations of LSD users are few. To expand the literature on this topic, we sought to characterize past-year LSD users in the US and investigate recent demographic evolution within this population. Methods Using National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data from 2015-2019, we investigated correlates of past-year LSD use and associated changes over the study period. Results Past-year LSD use increased by 47% from 2015 to 2019 (0.59% to 0.87%). However, among people reporting past-year hallucinogen use disorder there was no significant proportional increase in LSD users. Notable correlates of LSD use on multivariable analysis were: increased LSD access, lower perceived risk of trying LSD, Asian race, low income, fewer children in the home, history of ever selling drugs, being approached by someone selling drugs in the past month, lack of influence of religious beliefs on decision-making, and past-year suicide attempt among people age 18 and older. We found no associations with unemployment, arrest history, past-year psychological distress, or sexually transmitted infections. From 2015 to 2019, the proportion of respondents reporting past-year LSD use who were pregnant, age 26-34, and married increased. Past-year LSD use among lifetime users of methamphetamine also rose. Conclusions Though still uncommonly used in the US, LSD’s societal acceptance may be increasing. Overall, LSD does not appear to contribute significantly to the country’s public health problems. Highlights: - For the last few years, NSDUH data has shown an increase in LSD use - Despite this, rates of reported hallucinogen use disorder have not proportionally increased - Evidence shows increasing societal acceptance for LSD use - The proportion of respondents reporting past-year LSD use who were pregnant, age 26-34, and married increased - Past-year LSD use among lifetime users of methamphetamine also rose