"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.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on LSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 23
- Perceptions and attitudes towards psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy among health professionals, patients, and the public: A systematic review Journal of Psychedelic Studies February 5, 2024
- Community-based psychedelic integration and social efficacy: An ethnographic study in the Southeastern United States Journal of Psychedelic Studies May 27, 2024
- Persistent Altered States: Psychological Treatment of Psychedelic Adverse Effects Tidsskrift for Norsk psykologforening December 1, 2025
- Attitudes of psychedelic users regarding cost of treatment and non-hallucinogenic alternatives Journal of Psychedelic Studies May 30, 2024
- Psilocybin Mushrooms and Public Health in Brazil: Insights from a Retrospective Analysis of Adverse Events and Their Implications for Regulatory Discussions. International journal of medicinal mushrooms 2025
and 18 more in the library
Cites 15
- Psychedelics and the essential importance of context. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 15, 2018
- Constructing drug effects: A history of set and setting Drug Science, Policy and Law 2017
- Drugs, the Internet and change. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2011
- Over 30 million psychedelic users in the United States F1000Research March 28, 2013
- Making psychedelics into medicines: The politics and paradoxes of medicalization Journal of Psychedelic Studies July 30, 2019
and 10 more in the library