The psychedelic resurgence: Opportunities for behavioral and mental wellness and theory development

Psychedelic treatments show promise for improving health and well-being. This article summarizes the history of early psychedelic research and its recent renaissance. Observational studies have linked psychedelic use to healthier diet, lower rates of heart disease, and spontaneous positive changes in health-related outcomes. The importance of understanding mechanisms underlying psychedelic impacts was emphasized, as was the need for attention to the social context of psychedelic experiences. Evidence for differential impacts of psychedelic use with versus without a partner, and impacts on close relationships, was presented.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelic treatments show promise for improving health and well-being. This article summarizes the history of early psychedelic research and its recent renaissance. Although much of this research focuses on mental health and substance abuse, observational studies have linked psychedelic use to outcomes such as healthier diet, lower rates of heart disease, and even spontaneous, positive changes in health-related outcomes. The importance of understanding mechanisms that underlie psychedelic impacts - i.e., why positive changes occur - was emphasized (“Behavioral Psychedelics”), as was the need for attention to the social context of psychedelic experiences. Evidence for differential impacts of psychedelic use with v. without a partner, and impacts of psychedelic use on close relationships, was presented.