“Go ask Alice, when she’s 10-feet tall”: Psychosocial correlates to lifetime LSD use among a national sample of US adults

LSD use is increasing among US adults. An analysis of 2017 national survey data identified psychosocial factors linked to lifetime use. Being male, African American or Hispanic, using alcohol, ecstasy, marijuana, inhalants, cocaine, or cigarettes before age 21, having suicidal thoughts, and enjoying or seeking risky activities were all associated with higher likelihood of LSD use. The findings may help health professionals address this growing trend.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction Once thought a rarely used drug, LSD use is steadily increasing among US adults. A greater understanding of social factors and psychological determinants leading to lifetime LSD use can assist health educators and professionals in treating this growing problem. This study analyzed psychosocial factors related to LSD use among a national sample of adults. Methods A secondary data analysis of the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was performed. Results Results from the final multivariate logistic regression revealed that those who were male, African American or Hispanic, used alcohol, ecstasy, marijuana, inhalants, cocaine, and cigarettes before the age of 21 years, thought about suicide, got a kick out of doing things risky, and tested oneself to do risky things were more likely to use LSD. Conclusions This suggests that psychodynamic processes, for example, possible activation of emotional conflicts – can take place spontaneously – during ayahuasca intake in this particular setting. Some participants attributed symbolic meaning to the visionary content, which was more likely to take place in psychotherapeutically motivated clients. The specific setting influence as well as corresponding expectations of the participants in native wisdom could have considerable influence on experiences and interpretations, such as communication with entities as well as receiving personal teachings.