Study Finds That Substance Use is Reduced After Psychedelic Experience

In May 2023 the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction published a study which explored the changes in drug use patterns after taking psychedelics. It was sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies Public Benefit Corp. (MAPS PBC) and Psygen Labs Inc. and consisted of a survey of 1639 Canadian participants. For the survey, the participants self-reported their past and current psychedelic usage. Eleven psychedelics were reported including psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ibogaine, ayahuasca, 5-MEO-DMT, 2C-B, MDA, salvia divinorum and nitrous oxide. 

A Significant Change in Substance Use Habits

The study found that the participants noted significant changes in their drug and substance use habits after psychedelic use. The most notable findings included:

• Almost 44% of the participants completely stopped, or at least decreased, their alcohol use. 
• 42.5% decreased their usage, or stopped taking, antidepressants altogether. 
• 42.4% decreased their usage, or stopped taking, cocaine altogether.

The most common reason the participants gave for this change in substance use was that they were feeling less depressed or anxious, more connected to themselves, other people, and nature.

Basically, people felt good after a psychedelic experience, and didn’t feel the need to self-medicate further with other drugs.

The online survey was multiple choice, and included open-ended questions, and Likert scales to make up 655 questions. The researchers also collected data on “age, province of residence, self-identified racial background, gender, relationship status, employment status, education, and annual income.”

Zooming in on the Results 

Interestingly, the researchers found that some of the individuals who reported reduced substance use were more likely to be female, younger, with experience of both microdosing and macrodosing psychedelics, as well as more psychedelic use overall. 

As a rule, those who reported a decrease in substance use were younger individuals, who tended to use more drugs overall. A larger overall proportion of men reported decreased drug use when compared to women. However, more participants who identified as non-binary noted a reduction in their drug use than men. 

The study also showed that individuals who were motivated to take psychedelics to treat a medical condition (such as mental health complaints) reported a larger reduction in substance use compared to those who took psychedelics without that intent. 

The most effective psychedelic for decreasing or stopping drug use was psilocybin (57.7%), and then LSD (13%). 

“No Set Pattern”

Around 50% of the participants surveyed said that there was “no set pattern in how long decreases in substance use typically persist after using psychedelics, or that it depends on the substance and circumstances”. Based on the survey approximately a quarter of participants reported that they reduced their use of other substances for a month. 14.3% said their reduction lasted for more than half a year. 

The spiritual and healing effects associated with psychedelics such as improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a feeling of oneness with the world and the self, were the key reasons that people reported feeling less likely to take other drugs. This suggests psychedelics are perhaps able to offer a feeling of fulfillment or contentment that reduces the need to ‘escape’ from reality via potentially harmful substances such as cocaine or alcohol. 

This was especially evident in those who took psychedelics with healing intent, and growth, in mind. This healing-focused demographic tended to be younger, and had explored both micro and macro-dosing. 

A Note on Study Limitations

This study was based on the participants self-reporting their activities, meaning the researchers could not consistently measure the changes in substance use with total certainty. Additionally, with self-reported study there is always the chance of bias or inaccurate recall. This means that although the results are exciting, and show that psychedelic use can reduce the use of other substances, we cannot use this study to generalize about other populations currently. 

A Note on Study Strengths

The large sample size rounded up for this survey provides a good indication of how psychedelics affect the use of other substances. This will be helpful in future psychedelic research, and is also a good indicator of the increasing normalization of psychedelics. This is reflected by both more people using them, and more people willing to share their experiences. It is important information for policy-makers and legislators too . A demonstration of the growing need to acknowledge the critical need for more psychedelic research.

What This Could Mean for the Future

Psychedelics are already acknowledged as a potential treatment for addiction issues. Significant studies and trials are finding that psilocybin can be an effective treatment for both alcohol and nicotine addiction. There are many more studies of this nature in the works too. These are awaited with bated breath at a time when alcohol-related deaths are spiking globally. Additionally, in North America, for example, the opioid crisis continues. An effective treatment for substance addiction could be revolutionary. 

What This Could Mean For You

If you are keen to cut down on substance usage, or even the simple goal of drinking a little less alcohol, exploring psychedelics such as psilocybin could be a good option. Many people find that when they microdose psilocybin they are less likely to crave alcohol, even on a night out! Additionally, the better mood, reduced anxiety, and increased feelings of interconnectedness that the participants experienced, are all pretty appealing side-effects — whether you wish to reduce your consumption or not! 

To start your microdosing journey check out this exhaustive guide.

To explore a full ‘macrodose’ (better known as a psychedelic trip!) check out our tripping guide.

The Takeaway:

• A recent study, published in May 2023, surveyed Canadian psychedelics users and found that a significant number of them who use psychedelics reported a reduction in the use of other substances including alcohol, antidepressants, and cocaine, post psychedelic usage. 
• The main reasons for this reduction according to the study were due to a reduction in anxiety and depression and a greater feeling of connection with the self and the wider world. 
• The reduction in substance usage was most significant in those who had taken psychedelics with the intent to heal. 
• The most effective psychedelic for decreasing substance use was psilocybin, from magic mushrooms and truffles. 
• This survey points to the exciting potential for psychedelics to be utilized as a treatment for addiction, backed up by research from other studies.