Psychedelics and workplace harm

Classic psychedelic use is associated with lower psychological distress among employed, volunteer, retired, or permanently disabled individuals, but with higher distress among unemployed people, full-time students, and homemakers. Data from 484,732 participants in the 2008–2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health indicate that psychedelic users work longer hours per week before stress increases. Lifetime classic psychedelic use and employment are independently linked to better health, and psychedelics are unlikely to negatively affect employment outcomes.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study aims to understand the relationship between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use (LCPU), employment status, and weekly work hours on levels of psychological distress. The data used for this analysis is pooled from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2008–2019 and includes a sample size of 484,732 individuals. The findings suggest that LCPU and being employed are independently associated with better health. Additionally, the results indicate that psychedelic use is associated with lower distress for those who are employed, volunteer, retired, or permanently disabled. However, those who are unemployed, full-time students, or homemakers may experience higher levels of distress with psychedelic use. Interestingly, the analysis also suggests that those who use psychedelics are working longer hours per week before experiencing an increase in stress. Overall, the study suggests that psychedelics are not likely to have a negative impact on employment outcomes.