The Relationship Between Naturalistic Psychedelic Use and Clinical Care in Canada

Most Canadians who have used psychedelics never discuss that use with their health care provider, even though a third use them to self-treat a health condition. In a survey of 2,384 adults, 81.2% had never talked about psychedelics with their primary clinician, only 4.4% used them with a therapist, and 3.6% in a clinical setting. Although 44.8% knew about substance testing services, only 42.4% of those had ever used them. People were more likely to discuss psychedelic use with their provider if they had a therapeutic motivation, were more inclined to seek therapist guidance, or identified as non-binary.

Study at a glance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Naturalistic psychedelic use among Canadians is common. However, interactions about psychedelic use between patients and clinicians in Canada remain unclear. Via an anonymous survey, we assessed health outcomes and integration of psychedelic use with health care providers (HCP) among Canadian adults reporting past use of a psychedelic. The survey included 2,384 participants, and most (81.2%) never discussed psychedelic use with their HCP. While 33.7% used psychedelics to self-treat a health condition, only 4.4% used psychedelics with a therapist and 3.6% in a clinical setting. Overall, 44.8% (n = 806) of participants were aware of substance testing services, but only 42.4% ever used them. Multivariate regressions revealed that therapeutic motivation, higher likelihood of seeking therapist guidance, and non-binary gender identification were significantly associated with higher odds of discussing psychedelics with one’s primary HCP. Having used a greater number of psychedelics, lower age, non-female gender, higher education, and a therapeutic motivation were significantly associated with higher odds of awareness of substance testing. We conclude that naturalistic psychedelic use in Canada often includes therapeutic goals but is poorly connected to conventional healthcare, and substance testing is uncommon. Relevant training and education for HCPs is needed, along with more visible options for substance testing.