“I can objectively view my trauma without feeling like I'm there”: Reddit discussions on self-reported use of psychedelics to address co-occurring substance use and mental health needs
Journal of Psychedelic Studies March 30, 2026 Emma Yuanqi Gu, Natalia M. Irvine, Megan E. Miller et al.
People who use opioids and participate in online Reddit communities for opioid recovery often report positive experiences with psychedelics, describing symptom relief for anxiety, depression, and PTSD, along with enhanced mood, inner peace, emotional healing, and shifts in perspective. These experiences were linked to reprocessing trauma and disrupting negative thought cycles, supporting long-term recovery by fostering emotional resilience and clarity. However, concerns about the risks of self-administered psychedelic use were noted. The findings are exploratory due to the unique sample and context of an internet forum.