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Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics

Megan Webb, Heith Copes, Peter S. Hendricks

International Journal of Drug Policy May 8, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.013 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 30
Population People who had microdosed classic psychedelics
Topics Microdosing
Citations 75
Key findings Microdosers framed their practice as rational and instrumental, emphasizing connections to conventional middle-class values to normalize their drug use.

Abstract

BackgroundMicrodosing involves ingesting a small dose of a classic psychedelic (e.g., LSD and psilocybin) at regular intervals for prolonged periods. The practice is said to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and offer several creative and practical benefits to users. Using the narrative identity theoretical framework, our aim was to explore the experiences of those who microdosed classic psychedelics. Specifically, we sought to understand how and why they began microdosing and how they made sense of their actions in the context of their conventional lives.MethodsTo understand the experiences of those who microdose classic psychedelics, we rely on data collected from semi-structured interviews with 30 people who had microdosed.ResultsParticipants saw themselves as conventional citizens who microdosed for rational and instrumental purposes. They emphasized the rationality of microdosing by discussing (1) the practicality of their procurement and administration processes, (2) the connection between their microdosing practice and their general awareness in health and wellness, and (3) the benefits of the practice.ConclusionParticipants described their microdosing in the context of embracing traditional middle-class values. This created social distance between themselves and those who use drugs recreationally. While people who use drugs recreationally typically construct boundaries by distancing themselves from symbolic others (i.e., "crackheads," "meth heads," "junkies"), microdosers constructed boundaries by emphasizing connections to conventional citizens who embrace middle-class values. This connection to conventional citizens allows them to normalize their drug use and facilitates persistence.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on microdosing, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Psychedelic microdosing benefits and challenges: an empirical codebook Active microdosing community 2019 Mixed-methods study
Twenty percent better with 20 micrograms? A qualitative study of psychedelic microdosing self-rapports and discussions on YouTube YouTube videos and comments about psychedelic microdosing 2019 Qualitative study
Accounting for Microdosing Classic Psychedelics People who had microdosed classic psychedelics 2019 Qualitative study n = 30
Experiences of microdosing psychedelics in an attempt to support wellbeing and mental health. People who microdose psychedelic drugs 2023 Qualitative study n = 13
Qualitative content analysis of expectations in participants with depression about to begin LSD microdosing treatment: Identifying the need for psychedelic expectancy measures. Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) 2025 Qualitative study n = 23

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Microdosing Anxiety LSD Psilocybin