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Motives for Classical and Novel Psychoactive Substances Use in Psychedelic Polydrug Users

Hannes Kettner, Natasha L. Mason, Kim P. C. Kuypers

Contemporary Drug Problems September 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1177/0091450919863899 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 1,967
Population Adults aged 18 or older who completed an online survey about lifetime drug use and motives
Topics Cannabis LSD MDMA Psilocybin
Keywords Psychoactive substance Hallucinogen Synthetic cannabinoids Psychoactive drug Stimulant Designer drug Mephedrone Harm
Citations 50
Key findings Motivational patterns for NPS and CPS use are largely similar, except for synthetic cannabinoids, which are used primarily for intoxication indiscriminate of specific qualities.

Abstract

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds designed to mimic the effects of existing recreational drugs (classical psychoactive substances [CPS]), while eluding established legal frameworks. Little is known about their effects and potential harms, rendering the increasing number of NPS a challenge to policy makers and researchers alike. Quantitative studies on the motives underlying NPS use are limited, though understanding them is crucial for the design of effective harm prevention strategies. The present study therefore aimed to compare motivational patterns for NPS, CPS, and legal psychoactive substance (LPS) use. An online survey including questions about lifetime drug use, demographics, and motives for use was completed by 2,319 participants of which 1,967 consented and were 18 years or older. Data on lifetime use and endorsed motives are presented for 12 psychoactive substances classified into LPS (alcohol, nicotine), CPS (cannabis, MDMA/ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca), and NPS (synthetic cannabinoids, stimulant, and hallucinogenic) and compared between classes. Across substances, the most frequently endorsed motives were to feel euphoric (58.0%), enhance an activity (52.3%), and broaden consciousness (48.1%). Motives for use were found to differ by substance and gender, with coping-related reasons being more frequent among female participants compared to males who indicated to use for a broad range of reasons. Motivational patterns of CPS and NPS use were largely similar to their classical analogues, this was not the case for synthetic cannabinoids, which had as main endorsed motive getting intoxicated, indiscriminate of specific qualities. This information can feed into tailoring of educational campaigns and prevention strategies.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on LSD, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Survey of subjective "God encounter experiences": Comparisons among naturally occurring experiences and those occasioned by the classic psychedelics psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or DMT Adults reporting a single most memorable God encounter experience, either nondrug or... 2019 Cross-sectional survey n = 4,285
Patterns of recreational drug use at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland Drug users at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, aged 16-47, 80% between 18 and... 2001 Cross-sectional survey n = 122
Development of the Psychological Insight Questionnaire among a sample of people who have consumed psilocybin or LSD Psilocybin and LSD users 2021 Cross-sectional survey study n = 1,661
Prevalence and associations of challenging, difficult or distressing experiences using classic psychedelics. US adult population 2023 Cross-sectional survey n = 2,822
Trends in LSD use among US adults: 2015-2018. US adults ages 18 and older 2020 Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data n = 168,562

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Cannabis LSD MDMA Psilocybin Ayahuasca Philosophy of mind