Exploring the effects of microdosing on health behaviour change.
Luisa Prochazkova, Laura C. Carvalho, Natasza Marrouch, Jorge Encantado, Pedro J. Teixeira
Neuropharmacology 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110688 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective mixed-method survey Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 365 |
| Population | Participants with experience in psychedelic microdosing |
| Intervention | psychedelic microdosing |
| Topics | Microdosing |
| Keywords | Health-behavioral-change Mixed-methods Psychological mechanisms |
| Key findings | Microdosing was associated with positive changes in several health behaviors, with intention to change being the strongest predictor, while dose, protocol, and psychiatric status were not significant predictors. |
Abstract
While microdosing psychedelics is increasingly popular for enhancing well-being, its effects on health behavior change (HBC) remain poorly understood. This study investigated self-reported health-related behavior changes and putative underlying psychological mechanisms associated with psychedelic microdosing in a naturalistic setting. A retrospective mixed-method survey was conducted with 365 participants who had experience with psychedelic microdosing. Participants completed quantitative and qualitative items assessing changes in health behaviors (e.g., sleep, physical activity, diet) and psychological mechanisms (e.g., self-efficacy, emotional regulation) as a result of microdosing. Qualitative responses were analyzed thematically, and logistic regressions explored associations between behavioral change and individual/contextual predictors. Microdosing was associated with positive changes across several health behaviors, most commonly in sleep, contemplative practices, physical activity, and work-life balance. Intention to change emerged as the strongest predictor of behavioral change, while dose, protocol, and psychiatric status were not significant predictors. Thematic analysis identified potential psychological mechanisms such as improved mental health, cognitive clarity, self-awareness, self-determination, and relatedness. This study provides an initial exploration into the health-related behavior changes in microdosing. Future controlled studies should explore how microdosing might best support intentional health-promoting interventions.
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 | |
| Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics People who had microdosed classic psychedelics | 2019 | Qualitative study | n = 30 |
| 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 |
Citations in the library
Cites 50
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Journal of Psychopharmacology September 11, 2014
- Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-facilitated smoking cessation The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse July 21, 2016
- Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics November 4, 2016
- Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023
and 45 more in the library