Naturalistic Psychedelic Use

A World Apart from Clinical Care

Bibliographic Data

ID13913040
AuthorsNicolas G Glynos (0000-0002-6952-131X, University of Michigan), Christopher W Fields (0000-0002-6509-6483, Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), Julie Barron (Blue Sage Health Consulting, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), Moss Herberholz (0009-0007-6717-7088, University of Michigan), D J Kruger (0000-0002-2757-7016, Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), Kevin F Boehnke (0000-0003-3696-3979, Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume55
Issue4
Pages379-388
Publication date2022-08-11
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychoactive Drugs (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0279-1072 • E-ISSN: 2159-9777
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02791072.2022.2108356
PMID35950817
OpenAlexW4290805404
LanguageEN
Citations received20
References cited35

Interest in and availability of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes has increased in recent decades. In a large, anonymous, online survey, we investigated patterns of communication with healthcare providers and awareness and utilization of substance testing kits or services among people using psychedelics naturalistically. The sample population included attendees of a psychedelic activism event and users of psychedelic social media forums. Among 1,435 participants, 72.5% never discussed psychedelic use with their primary care provider (PCP). Only 4.4% reported using psychedelics with a therapist and 3% in clinical settings, although 77.8% were very or extremely likely to take psychedelics with a therapist if one were legally available. While 62.6% of participants were aware of substance testing services, 42.6% of these indicated never using them. Regression analyses identified several variables associated with disclosure to PCP and utilization of substance testing services including age, gender, frequency and number of psychedelics used, and likelihood of consuming psychedelics under the guidance of a therapist if one were legally available. Further research is necessary to investigate these findings among other groups. Our findings suggest that relevant training and education for healthcare providers is needed, along with more visible options for substance identity testing

Health care · Population · Psychiatry · Substance use · Chemical synthesis and alkaloids · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Natural Compound Pharmacology Studies · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Psychology

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