Perceptions of the medicinal value of hallucinogenic drugs among college students
Jared Wildberger, Cassandra N. John, Robert M. Hallock
Journal of Psychedelic Studies October 17, 2017 DOI: 10.1556/2054.01.2017.008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 124 |
| Population | College students at two U.S. campuses |
| Topics | Addiction Anxiety |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Perception |
| Citations | 22 |
| Key findings | Participants were reluctant to agree that hallucinogens can be therapeutic for seven afflictions, but a majority believed further research into their medicinal benefits should be conducted. |
Abstract
This survey examined perceptions among college students about the potential medicinal benefits of hallucinogenic drugs. Current research and potential benefits include an ability to help anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction with hallucinogen-assisted psychotherapy. We devised and administered a survey on 124 students at two college campuses, one small private college in the mid-Atlantic and one medium-sized public university in the Midwest of the United States. Responses were similar across campuses, and in general, participants were reluctant to agree that hallucinogens can be therapeutic to the seven afflictions we questioned them about. However, the survey also revealed that a majority of participants believed there should be further research done exploring the medicinal benefits of such drugs. These findings shed light on perceptions of hallucinogens as their use is being applied to a host of afflictions.