Attitudes Toward Psychedelic Treatments by Individuals With Histories of Substance Use or Psychiatric Disorders: A Survey Study.

Among 192 adults with alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, or psychiatric disorders surveyed at a large hospital, 66% had previously tried psychedelics, 72.4% believed psychedelics could help patients with substance use or psychiatric disorders, and 69.8% said they would personally try psychedelic-assisted treatment for such a condition. Willingness to try psychedelic treatment was significantly higher among those who had previously used psilocybin (90.0% vs. 47.8%), MDMA (89.7% vs. 61.2%), or ketamine (100% vs. 65.7%). Participants opposed to psychedelic treatment were more likely to perceive risks including depression, anxiety, heart damage, brain damage, and addiction. The authors conclude that further safety trials and educational interventions are needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelics may be promising treatments for substance use disorders (SUD). This study aims to understand how individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), and psychiatric disorders perceive and experience psychedelics for both nonmedical and medical use. Data for this cross-sectional survey study were collected from June 2023 to February 2024 at a large, tertiary hospital through the hospital's patient portal, inpatient floors, and flyers. English-speaking adults with AUD, OUD, and psychiatric disorders were recruited. The response rate was 1.9% and the cooperation rate was 13.7%. The survey collected participants' demographic information, substance use treatment and history, and perceived risks and harms associated with psychedelics and psychedelic treatment. Of 192 participants surveyed, 66% had previously tried psychedelics, 72.4% believed psychedelics could help patients with SUD or psychiatric disorders, and 69.8% said they would personally try psychedelic-assisted treatment for a SUD or psychiatric condition. Participants were significantly more likely to want to try psychedelic treatment for their own SUD or psychiatric disorder if they had previously used psilocybin (90.0% vs. 47.8%, P<0.001), MDMA (89.7% vs. 61.2%, P<0.001), or ketamine (100% vs. 65.7%, P=0.003). Participants against psychedelic treatment were significantly more likely to think that the risks associated with using a psychedelic included depression, anxiety, heart damage, brain damage, addiction, and more. A majority of participants supported psychedelics as a treatment and would accept receiving psychedelics as a treatment. However, further safety trials and educational interventions to best understand the benefits and risks of psychedelic-assisted therapy need to be completed.