Recreational Use of Psychedelics at Music Festivals: Motivation, Nature of Experiences and Learnings
Iryana Mosina, Pascal Michael
May 8, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/yjx5d (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods study (quantitative survey and qualitative interviews) |
|---|---|
| Population | Recreational users of psychedelics at music festivals |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Happiness Recreation Affection Mental health Feeling Empathy Perception Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Recreational psychedelic experiences at music festivals, despite involving poly-drug use and a non-controllable environment, can produce life-changing effects and positive mental health outcomes, suggesting potential for preventive mental health strategies. |
Abstract
The present research study investigated the phenomenon of recreational use of psychedelics at music festivals, analysing whether the resulting experiences could possibly be recognized as valuable in terms of preventive mental health strategies. Quantitative (online survey) and qualitative (interviews) research methods have been combined to illuminate 3 main topics: motivation for the setting choice; the nature of the resulting experiences & their influence on people’s lives; learnings from psychedelic experiences at music festivals (PEMF).Among other findings, motivation evolved around fun, enhancing the sensory exploration of the world, and deepening the connection to its diverse parts through engagement with art, nature and other beings. Factors, distinguishing music festivals from other settings, were significant for the setting choice (non-controllability of the environment, community & connection aspect, diversity & richness of the surroundings, pharmacological specifics). Remarkably, the non-controllability of the environment, otherwise avoided in the psychedelic research, contributed to the life-changing effects of PEMF. Exploration of their nature showed that, mostly rooted in poly-drug use, the enjoyable were clearly dominating over the challenging ones. The mystical PEMF appeared to be surprisingly common. Participants shared the related life-changing effects, centred around changed perception (increased empathy, awareness, acceptance; new perspectives, etc.) and changed behaviours (increased mindfulness in all life areas; making different life choices; changed approach to relationships, etc.). Except for post MDMA recovery, a positive impact of PEMF on mental health and the emotional state of the participants was reported, referring to increased levels of happiness, compassion, awe, trust and to emotional balance. This study showed the potential value of PEMF in terms of preventive mental health strategies in various forms. Acknowledging these findings as well as the existence of potential risks for triggering psychiatric conditions, de-stigmatization of recreational use could help introduce meaningful changes, including substance testing availability, prioritization of education as well as mandatory welfare and harm reduction services on-site.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 12
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics Pharmacological Reviews June 20, 2019
- The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy Psychopharmacology February 1, 2018
- Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology October 21, 2022
- LSD modulates music-induced imagery via changes in parahippocampal connectivity. European Neuropsychopharmacology April 12, 2016
and 7 more in the library