Introduction

Interest in and availability of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes have notably increased in recent decades. A comprehensive online survey investigated communication patterns between individuals using psychedelics naturalistically and their healthcare providers, as well as the awareness and use of substance testing kits or services among this group.

Key Findings

The survey included 1,435 participants, primarily attendees of a psychedelic activism event and users of psychedelic social media forums. Key findings revealed that a significant majority, 72.5%, never discussed their psychedelic use with their primary care provider (PCP). Only a small fraction, 4.4%, reported using psychedelics in the presence of a therapist, and an even smaller percentage, 3%, did so within clinical settings. However, a striking 77.8% expressed a high likelihood of taking psychedelics with a therapist if legally permissible.

Awareness of Substance Testing Services

Awareness of substance testing services was relatively high, with 62.6% of participants acknowledging their existence, yet 42.6% of those aware never utilized these services. The study also performed regression analyses to identify factors influencing the likelihood of disclosing psychedelic use to a PCP and the utilization of substance testing services.

Implications

This research underscores the substantial gap between naturalistic psychedelic use and discussions about it in clinical care settings. It highlights a critical need for healthcare providers to receive relevant training and education to better support individuals who use psychedelics. Additionally, it points to the importance of making substance identity testing services more visible and accessible to ensure safer use practices.

Conclusion

The findings advocate for further research to explore these dynamics among other demographic groups and emphasize the potential benefits of integrating psychedelic therapy into mainstream healthcare, provided that legal and supportive frameworks are established. Given the increasing interest in the therapeutic applications of psychedelics, these insights are vital for informing harm reduction strategies, enhancing public understanding of psychedelic risks, and guiding safe use practices. This summary contributes to raising awareness about the significance of bridging the gap between naturalistic use and clinical care to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals exploring psychedelic experiences.