A critical literature review of research on attachment and psychedelics: Synergies and research implications
Psychedelics December 23, 2025 Esenia K. Cassidy, Alan K. Davis, Smitha Rao
Attachment theory holds that early caregiver interactions shape lifelong mental health, substance use, and well-being. This critical literature review synthesizes 21 peer-reviewed studies on attachment and psychedelics published by November 30, 2024. Identified themes include attachment as a predictor and outcome of psychedelic effects, relationality and romantic relationships, traumatic attachment and grief, clinical implications, calls to expand research into religion and spirituality, and passionate attachment to substances. Common limitations are demographic homogeneity, reliance on self-report, inconsistent study conditions, uncritical positivist approaches, and lack of discussion of limitations or positionalities. More diverse and rigorous research is needed, with greater epistemological awareness and reflexivity.