Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings.
Pedro J Teixeira, Rakesh Jain, Andrew D Penn, Steven P Cole, Saundra Jain, Arlen C Moller, Helena Amaro, Charles Raison
Preventive medicine reports August 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103161 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA survey of 2,510 U.S. adults who had used psychedelics at least once found that most reported lasting improvements in health behaviors after their experiences. Specifically, 66% reduced alcohol use, 49% cut tobacco use, 49% improved their diet, and 48–72% reported fewer impulsive behaviors. People who used psychedelics more often or microdosed were especially likely to report these positive changes. Although some participants experienced harms, the majority perceived lasting benefits. The findings suggest that psychedelic use may be linked to broad behavioral shifts in areas like diet and substance use, not just mental health.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,510 |
| Population | US adults reporting at least one lifetime psychedelic experience |
| Keywords | Behavior Health Psychedelics Substance use |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Lifetime psychedelic use was associated with self-reported reductions in alcohol and tobacco use, improved diet, and decreased impulsive behaviors, with more frequent use and microdosing linked to greater positive changes. |
Abstract
Psychedelics have been increasingly studied for their potential to influence mental health and well-being, yet their relationship with broader health behaviors remains underexplored. This study examined associations between lifetime psychedelic use and health-related behaviors, including substance use, dietary habits, and impulsive tendencies. Using an extensive cross-sectional online survey, we analyzed responses from 2510 US adults reporting at least one lifetime psychedelic experience. Participants retrospectively assessed changes in behaviors following psychedelic exposure. Respondents reported improvements in various health behaviors, including reduced alcohol (66 %) and tobacco (49 %) use, improved dietary habits (49 %), and decreases in impulsive behaviors (48-72 %). Those who reported more frequent psychedelic use or engagement in microdosing were more likely to endorse positive behavioral changes (p < .001). Furthermore, while some participants reported harms associated with psychedelic use, the majority perceived lasting benefits. These findings suggest that psychedelic use is associated with broad behavioral adaptations beyond mental health, including important areas such diet, and alcohol and tobacco use. Compared with those who use full doses, participants who microdosed reported a more positive behavioral profile.