Trends in LSD use among US adults: 2015-2018.
R. Yockey, Rebecca A. Vidourek, Keith A. King
Drug and Alcohol Dependence May 15, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108071 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 168,562 |
| Population | US adults ages 18 and older |
| Topics | LSD |
| Citations | 111 |
| Key findings | Past-year LSD use among US adults increased 56.4% from 2015 to 2018, with the largest increases among adults aged 26–34 and 35–49. |
Abstract
Background: The recent use of LSD to treat severe psychological disorders in several clinical applications has proven effective in reducing symptoms and distressing events. Trend analyses are warranted to provide the most current data for clinical and health interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in LSD use among adults in the United States.
Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2015-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was conducted on 168, 562 adults ages 18 and older.
Results: Past-year LSD use increased 56.4% (P < .0001) from 2015 to 2018. The proportion of LSD users ages 26-34 increased from 19.6% to 31.1% (P < .0001), ages 35-49 increased from 2.73% to 8.82% (P < .0001) and 50 years or older increased from 1.83% to 2.66% (P < .0001). LSD use among bisexual individuals increased from 11.2% to 13.0% (P < .0001). LSD use among individuals with a college degree or more increased from 18.2% to 31.1% (P < .0001). Significant decreases in LSD use were present in individuals who were multi-racial (P < .0001), less than high school education P < .0001), high school education (P < .001), and perceived great risk of drugs (P < .0001).
Conclusions: LSD use in the US jumped 56.4% from 2015 to 2018. Results from the present study can inform prevention and harm reduction efforts (e.g., co-morbid substance use interventions, health messaging).
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on LSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 89
- Great Expectations: recommendations for improving the methodological rigor of psychedelic clinical trials Psychopharmacology April 1, 2022
- Psychedelics alter metaphysical beliefs. Scientific Reports November 23, 2021
- Psychedelic Communitas: Intersubjective Experience During Psychedelic Group Sessions Predicts Enduring Changes in Psychological Wellbeing and Social Connectedness. Frontiers in Pharmacology March 25, 2021
- Comparative acute effects of mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy participants. Neuropsychopharmacology October 1, 2023
- The emerging science of microdosing: A systematic review of research on low dose psychedelics (1955–2021) and recommendations for the field Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews May 21, 2022
and 84 more in the library
Cites 11
- Classic psychedelic use is associated with reduced psychological distress and suicidality in the United States adult population. Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2015
- Modern Clinical Research on LSD Neuropsychopharmacology April 27, 2017
- Over 30 million psychedelic users in the United States F1000Research March 28, 2013
- Psychedelic Microdosing: Prevalence and Subjective Effects Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 23, 2020
- Values and Beliefs of Psychedelic Drug Users: A Cross-Cultural Study Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2006
and 6 more in the library