A recent study, sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies Public Benefits Corp. (MAPS PBC) and Psygen Labs Inc., and published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, investigated how taking psychedelics influenced substance use patterns among Canadians.
Researchers from various universities collected data through a lengthy online survey consisting of 655 questions. The survey involved 1,639 participants aged 19 and above who self-reported their current and past use of psychedelic substances and their substance use habits.
The study found that almost 44% of participants reported either quitting or significantly reducing their alcohol consumption. Additionally, 42.5% stopped taking antidepressants or decreased their frequency of use, and 42.4% stopped or reduced their cocaine use.
Participants who were female, younger in age, and had experience with micro and macro doses of psychedelics were more likely to report decreased substance use. Those who used psychedelics to address a medical condition reported greater reductions in substance use compared to those with other motivations.
