Psychological Effects Related to Psychedelic Substance Use in the Previous 12 Months

Abstract:

Background: Although clinical trials of psychedelics have reported therapeutic benefits, the effects of illicit psychedelic use may be different because of drug quality and influences upon consumption circumstances. This study used a battery of psychological measures to examine the effects related to illicit psychedelic consumption.

Method: Psychedelic use was an independent variable with two groups: recent users (i.e., within the previous 12 months: n = 33, mean age = 30.18 years [ SD = 8.87 years], 18 males) and a group of nonusers and former users (i.e., longer ago than 12 months: n = 37, mean age = 32.47 years [ SD = 12.35 years], 19 males). Participants responded online to a battery of psychometric tests.

Results: Recent psychedelic users scored higher on mindfulness, openness, and arousal, self-reported fewer cognitive failures, and produced fewer errors on the WCST than former users and nonusers. Recent use of nonpsychedelic drugs emerged as a potential confound.

Conclusions: The results concerning mindfulness, openness, anxiety, and depression among these users of illicit psychedelic supplies are arguably consistent with findings from clinical trials. Further research using psychometric measures and laboratory tests with illicit psychedelic drugs is indicated.