Psychedelic Drugs: A Study of Drug-Induced Experiences Obtained by Illegal Drug Users in Relation to Stanislav Grof's Model of Altered States of Consciousness
Anette Kjellgren, Torsten Norlander
Imagination, Cognition and Personality September 1, 2000 DOI: 10.2190/a2rx-xv10-nhue-3612 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Anonymous former illegal drug users |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Philosophy of mind |
| Citations | 14 |
| Key findings | All 16 former drug users reported experiences consistent with Grof's expanded model of the human unconscious, with transpersonal experiences more common among heavy users, spiritual seekers, and those who prepared ritually or mentally. |
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide information about experiences obtained by illegal drug users and evaluate if these are consistent with Stanislav Grof's expanded model of the human unconscious. Sixteen anonymous former drug users answered a questionnaire about use, experiences, circumstances, and influences of their life. All of them have had some experiences similar to Grof's descriptions. Transpersonal experiences were more reported by those who used to be “heavy” users. Such experiences were also more likely to be reported by those who described themselves as spiritual seekers and by those who made some form of ritual or mental preparation part of their experience. This study also provides general information about Grof's model and some about psychedelic research worldwide.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being Patients with depression, burn-out syndrome, and chronic pain | 2015 | Qualitative study | n = 8 |
| A Shaman's Cure: The Relationship Between Altered States of Consciousness and Shamanic Healing1 Nepalese shamans and their patients | 2009 | Ethnography | |
| Spiritual experiences and altered states of consciousness – Parallels between BDSM and Christianity Self-defined BDSM practitioners in Sweden | 2020 | Qualitative ethnographic study | n = 29 |
| When Seconds Turn Into Minutes: Time Expansion Experiences in Altered States of Consciousness People who reported Time Expansion Experiences | 2020 | Qualitative study | n = 74 |
| Natural language analysis of the structure of altered states of consciousness Narrative reports across 12 ASC induction methods | 2025 | Quantitative and qualitative analysis of narrative reports | n = 300 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Experiences of Encounters with Ayahuasca—“the Vine of the Soul” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs December 1, 2009
- Race as a component of set and setting: How experiences of race can influence psychedelic experiences Journal of Psychedelic Studies September 19, 2019
- Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being The Qualitative Report January 14, 2015
- Psychoactive Substances and Paranormal Phenomena: A Comprehensive Review International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 2012
- A Gratuitous Grace: The Influence of Religious Set and Intent on the Psychedelic Experience Journal of Psychoactive Drugs August 8, 2018
and 3 more in the library