The Epidemiology of Psychedelic Use Among United States Military Veterans
Katinka Hooyer, Rachel Yehuda, Alan K. Davis, Mark J. Bates, Erik M. Lund, Nathan D. Sepeda, Adam W. Levin, Stacey B. Armstrong, Robert L. Koffman
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 12, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2401977 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 426 |
| Population | United States military veterans |
| Keywords | Epidemiology Military personnel Gerontology |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Approximately half of veteran respondents reported psychedelic use, most for healing or spiritual reasons, and the majority reported benefits, though adverse outcomes also occurred. |
Abstract
We sought to identify patterns of psychedelic use among United States military veterans, compare demographic variables and perspectives of those who did and did not report use, and characterize benefits and adverse outcomes associated with use. Respondents (N = 426) were recruited to complete an online cross-sectional survey. Approximately one-half (51%) reported using psychedelics. Most did so for healing/treatment (70%) and/or spiritual purposes (48%), and most (85%) reported benefiting from use. Those who used psychedelics reported they would be more likely to use VA services (p p c = 0.77; p < .001). Psychedelics may offer benefits but may also lead to adverse outcomes without proper preparation and support. Future research should examine the utility of psychedelic-based approaches for veteran mental health care.
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Extended difficulties after psychedelic experiences: Prevalence and associations in a global, multilingual sample. Research Square April 8, 2026
- Safety in an Evolving Psychedelic Landscape: Knowledge and Use of Psilocybin Safety Strategies, Resources, and Support in a Naturalistic Oregon Sample Psychedelics October 1, 2026
- Designing evaluation infrastructure for psychedelic harm reduction at events: a methodological framework with formative mixed-methods field application Frontiers in Public Health September 29, 2026
- The Abuse Liability of Classic Psychedelics: A Methodological Critique and Assessment of the Quality of Evidence of Recent Studies Current Addiction Reports August 18, 2026
- Prevalence of Potential Contraindications and Risk Factors Relevant to MDMA-Assisted Therapy Among U.S. Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Journal of Psychoactive Drugs August 5, 2026
and 5 more in the library
Cites 25
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Global Street Food: la cocina de la calle Diseño interior 2009
- Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences Journal of Psychopharmacology August 31, 2016
- The Subjective Effects of Psychedelics Are Necessary for Their Enduring Therapeutic Effects. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science December 10, 2020
- Set and setting, psychedelics and the placebo response: An extra-pharmacological perspective on psychopharmacology Journal of Psychopharmacology November 16, 2016
and 20 more in the library