Entheogenic Spirituality: Characteristics of Spiritually Motivated Psychedelics Use
International Journal for the Psychology of Religion January 1, 2023 Petter Johnstad 13 citations
A survey of 319 predominantly Western individuals who use psychedelic or entheogenic drugs for spiritual purposes found that their motivations and experiences extend beyond mystical states. Most respondents cited personal growth and spirituality as reasons for use, with about half maintaining a meditation practice. Their experiences were most often characterized by joy, peace, love, self-insight, and improved connections with nature and others. Those with a spiritual affiliation were more likely to report mystical experiences involving ego dissolution or unity and reported more positive long-term effects. The findings confirm a growing movement of spiritually motivated entheogen users that warrants further study.