Salvia divinorum use is most common among young adults aged 18-25 and individuals who engage in risk-taking behaviors such as selling illicit drugs or stealing, as well as those who use other illicit drugs, particularly other hallucinogens or ecstasy. Self-reported depression and anxiety are also associated with salvia use. The findings indicate that salvia use is part of a broader pattern of psychosocial and behavioral problems among youth and young adults. Its accessibility, legal status, and psychoactive effects may pose additional health risks, especially for those with existing substance use problems.
A 9-month online program teaching traditional Tibetan Mind-Body meditation practices based on Bon Dzogchen philosophy led to gradual improvements in compassion for self and others, mindfulness, flourishing, and non-dual awareness among 30 predominantly experienced meditators. Improvements were independent of how often participants meditated, suggesting the program's structure itself drove benefits. The findings provide preliminary evidence that such practices may foster advanced meditative states tied to self-transcendence. Limitations include the small, self-selected sample, lack of a control group, and reliance on quantitative measures, which may miss the richness of advanced meditative experiences.