Study Description
Background
Classic psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, DMT, mescaline, peyote, and related compounds, are experiencing a renaissance of public and clinical attention. Classic psychedelics are being used for a wide range of applications in spiritual/religious, wellness and clinical settings. Research and media coverage has focused almost exclusively on the benefits of psychedelic use. However, there is very little research about psychedelic-related adverse effects, what they entail, how long they last, what factors make them more or less severe, and what is the best way to help psychedelic users who have them.
Current study
The study hopes to answer the following questions: What kinds of lasting challenges and adverse effects can occur as a result of classic psychedelic use? Are there specific psychedelics, approaches or contexts that tend to cause more problems than others? What predicts whether a challenging psychedelic experience is therapeutic or destabilizing? If someone experiences challenging experiences from psychedelics, what should they do? What types of support, remedies or therapies are most or least helpful?
What does study participation involve?
- Study participation involves completing an online survey about your psychedelic-related difficulties, how you and others responded to them, and other factors that may have played a role.
- You can also submit a written narrative of your experience if you choose.
- The study will take 2–3 hours to complete.
- See the study instructions page for detailed information on the contents of the survey
Who is eligible?
Anyone who has had a psychedelic-related experience that:
- Was difficult or distressing and persisted beyond the acute effects of the substance into daily life
- Negatively impacted your life or daily functioning or
- Required additional professional support or treatment
You must be at least 18 years old and be able to read and write in English.
Will I receive compensation?
Unfortunately, participation is voluntary and no compensation will be received. At the end of the study, you will receive instructions on how to anonymously request that your research participation is translated into support for psychedelic users in distress.