Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Exploring the Use of Ibogaine in Opioid Recovery: Insights from Lived Experience

This qualitative case study (n=10) explored the experiences of opioid-dependent people in New Zealand who used ibogaine for detoxification. Participants described rapid withdrawal relief, better mood and less anxiety, and some sustained abstinence, but relapse still occurred and preparation, medical screening and post-treatment support were seen as important.

Published

May 22, 2026

Journal

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Authors

Walker, J., Deering, D., Unger, B. H.

Intention-Setting Among Recreational Psychedelic Users: Associated Acute Effects and Changes in Well-Being

Published

May 22, 2026

Journal

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Authors

Low, F., Earleywine, M.

Association Between Lifetime Hallucinogen Use and Valvular Heart Disease: Findings from the All of Us Research Program

This cross-sectional study (n=286,842) of US adults examined whether lifetime hallucinogen use, including LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, and PCP, was associa…This cross-sectional study (n=286,842) of US adults examined whether lifetime hallucinogen use, including LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, and PCP, was associated with valvular heart disease. After adjusting for sociodemographic and health confounders, hallucinogen use was linked to modestly increased odds of valvular heart disease, although unadjusted prevalence was actually lower among users.

Published

May 18, 2026

Journal

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Authors

Yang, K. H., Rasmussen, M., Bhatt, K., Satybaldiyeva, N., Kepner, W., Moore, A. A., Bergstrom, J.

Therapeutic-Like Context and Relational Support During Psychedelic Use Moderate Links Among Stress, Challenging Experiences, and Psychological Outcomes

This online survey (n=1,867) found that therapeutic-like context and support helped buffer the negative effects of life stress on challenging psychedelic experiences, and also moderated how those challenging experiences affected psychological outcomes such as well-being and coping.

Published

March 14, 2026

Journal

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Authors

Cherniak, A. D., Granqvist, P., Mikulincer, M., Wolff, M.

Long-Term Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Associated with Naturalistic Ayahuasca Consumption

This naturalistic longitudinal study (n=66) investigates the long-term effects of ayahuasca on mental health in adults with no prior exposure. Participants attending neo-shamanic ceremonies reported sustained improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, affect, personality traits, spirituality, and relationships up to 12 months. Individuals with depression or anxiety experienced lasting symptom reductions, while those without a diagnosis had short-term benefits. Alcohol and cannabis use decreased only at one month. Findings suggest ayahuasca's mental health benefits persist, with varying trajectories of change over time.

Published

February 20, 2025

Journal

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Authors

Pagni, B. A., Halman, A., Sarris, J., Chenhall, R., Bogenschutz, M. P., Perkins, D.

Global Trends in Psychedelic Microdosing: Demographics, Substance Testing Behavior, and Patterns of Use

This online survey (n=6,193; 2,488 microdosers) examines differences between exclusive microdosers and those who use both micro and macrodoses of psychedelics. The study finds exclusive microdosers were typically older, more likely to be female and non-Caucasian, with psilocybin (74.5%) and LSD (34.4%) being the most commonly used substances, primarily for general wellbeing (73.0%).

Published

November 6, 2024

Journal

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Authors

Syed, O. A., Petranker, R., Fewster, E. C., Sobolenko, V., Beidas, Z., Husain, M. I., Lake, S., Lucas, P.