Attitudes of psychedelic users regarding cost of treatment and non-hallucinogenic alternatives

Most people who use psychedelics in naturalistic settings consider altered states of consciousness very or extremely important to the therapeutic effects (76%), yet a majority (61%) are moderately to extremely likely to try a non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog for treating a mental health condition. Participants regard approximately $70–80 per hour as a reasonable cost for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy services, a figure well below current market projections. The findings suggest that while the subjective experience is valued, openness to alternatives exists, and the perceived affordable price for treatment is lower than anticipated.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is currently being studied as a possible treatment option for multiple disorders. Despite promising safety and efficacy findings, the high costs of the current PAP model makes it questionable if the treatment will be scalable. Non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs have been developed as a potential cost-effective alternative, but it is unclear what psychedelic users perceive as a reasonable cost for treatment and whether they would be open to trying a non-hallucinogenic analog.We queried a large sample of people using psychedelics naturalistically (N = 1,221) about their attitudes regarding the role of altered states of consciousness in PAP outcomes, costs of treatment, and their openness to trying a non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog for treating a mental health condition.We found that most (76%) participants considered altered states of consciousness as very or extremely important to the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. Despite this, most (61%) were also moderately, very, or extremely likely to try a non-hallucinogenic substance if given the chance. Lastly, participants considered approximately $70–80 per hour to be a reasonable cost for various aspects of psychedelic services (e.g., preparation, integration, and dosing sessions).Participants valued the role of altered states of consciousness in therapeutic changes attributed to psychedelics, but were still open to trying a non-hallucinogenic analog. Notably, the price participants considered to be a reasonable amount for PAP is well below current market projections. Future research is needed to address limitations of the study as well as to identify ways of lowering treatment costs.