Psychedelic Use and Behavioral Addictions.

People who use psychedelics report lower symptoms of behavioral addictions such as problem gambling, sexual addiction, compulsive buying, and eating disorders, along with greater well-being, even after accounting for demographics and other drug use. In a community sample of 1107 adults, psychedelic use uniquely predicted lower behavioral addiction scores, while major stimulant, alcohol, and nicotine vaping use predicted higher scores. Behavioral addiction symptoms were inversely correlated with well-being measures. These findings suggest psychedelics may help treat behavioral addictions, warranting a controlled pilot study or clinical trial.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Recent clinical trials on classic psychedelics for depression and anxiety have raised questions about their potential to treat other psychiatric conditions. Evidence from pre-clinical and clinical research suggests psychedelics may help with substance use disorders, with ongoing registered trials. Behavioral addictions, sharing features with substance addictions, may also respond to psychedelic treatment. This study examined self-reported symptoms of problem gambling, sexual addiction, compulsive buying, and eating disorders in a community sample (N = 1107), alongside measures of well-being (self-transcendence, personal growth, depression/anxiety, etc.), and use of psychedelics and other psychoactive drugs. Significant positive correlations emerged among well-being measures and among behavioral addiction symptoms, with inverse correlations between well-being and behavioral addictions. Psychedelic users reported greater well-being and lower behavioral addiction symptoms, even after controlling for demographics and other drug use. Principal components analysis showed that behavioral addictions formed a single factor, which was combined into a composite score. Multiple regression analyses revealed that major stimulant, alcohol, and nicotine vaping use predicted higher behavioral addiction scores, while psychedelic use uniquely predicted lower scores. These findings suggest psychedelics may aid in treating behavioral addictions. A controlled pilot study or clinical trial is warranted to explore this therapeutic potential further.