Psychedelic-related deaths in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (1997-2022).
Emma I Kopra, Jenni Penttinen, James J Rucker, Caroline S Copeland
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry January 10, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111177 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective analysis of coroner reports with thematic framework analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | Deaths in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland where psychedelic serotonergic agonist drugs were involved |
| Duration | 1997 to 2022 |
| Keywords | Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Psychedelic drugs Pharmaceutical safety Mortality deaths Fatalities Drug-related deaths Negative reactions Complications Adverse effects Toxicity |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key points | Psychedelic-related deaths are very rare, but most involve polysubstance use and accidental circumstances, with traumatic injuries and drug toxicities as common causes. |
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs are increasingly visible in society once more, but their risks and adverse effects have received less attention than perhaps they should. While fatalities associated with psychedelics appear rare, a systematic approach to characterising their aetiology is required to inform harm minimisation efforts. This study aimed to analyse prevalence and characteristics of psychedelic-related deaths in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, between 1997 and 2022. We analysed coroner reports submitted to the National Programme on Substance Use Mortality where psychedelic serotonergic agonist drugs were involved in the death, and conducted a thematic framework analysis to explore potential factors associated with their occurrence. We identified 28 cases where psychedelics were implicated (75 %, N = 21) or potentially implicated (25 %, N = 7) in the death; 19 of these involving psychedelic tryptamines (LSD 39 %, N = 11; Psilocybin 21 %, N = 6; DMT 7 %, N = 2), and 9 psychedelic phenethylamines (incl. NBOMes 18 %, N = 5). Most deaths were deemed accidental by the coroner (86 %, N = 24), including both traumatic injuries and drug toxicities; most cases involved multiple implicated drugs (68 %, N = 19); and most of the deceased were under 30 years of age (82 %, N = 23). Thematic framework analysis identified nine themes in the deaths across three categories. 'Polysubstance use' was the most common theme (82 % of cases, N = 23/28), followed by a suboptimal 'physical environment' (70 % of cases where this information was available, N = 14/20). The profound and often unpredictable effects of psychedelics pose a unique profile of risks and adverse reactions. Nevertheless, psychedelic-related deaths remain very rare in comparison to other recreational drugs, and frequently involve polydrug use. Implications for harm reduction and policy are discussed.