"How Do I Learn More About this?": Utilization and Trust of Psychedelic Information Sources Among People Naturalistically Using Psychedelics.
Daniel J. Kruger, Oskar Enghoff, Moss Herberholz, Julie Barron, Kevin F. Boehnke
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2023 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2201263 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,221 |
| Population | People using psychedelics naturalistically |
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Information sources research Scientific literature Academic resources Data Media trust credibility Reliability Confidence |
| Citations | 24 |
| Key findings | The most common source of psychedelic information was personal experimentation, and scientific journals were the most trusted source, while government agencies and pharmaceutical companies were the least trusted. |
Abstract
There is a surge of interest in psychedelics, including new stakeholders and greater media attention. There is a need to examine the information-seeking behavior of people using psychedelics naturalistically, given the importance of preparation and harm-reduction. We examined sources of information for people using psychedelics naturalistically, and the degree to which they are trusted in a large, anonymous, online survey (N = 1221). The most common source of participants' information on psychedelics was their own experimentation and experiences (79.52%). Most also sought information from Internet websites (61.67%), friends (61.02%), Internet discussion forums (57.08%), books (57%), and articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals (54.55%). Few sought information from their primary health care provider (4.83%). Articles published in scientific journals, psychedelic nonprofits, and researchers based in colleges or universities were the most trusted sources of psychedelic information. Government agencies and pharmaceutical companies were the least trusted. Few participants thought that the popular media accurately stated the benefits and risks of psychedelics and most thought that the popular media failed to distinguish between different types of psychedelics. Our results indicate a high level of information seeking among psychedelic users, with a diverse array of information sources typically outside of mainstream health and medical care systems.