Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)Public Health, Prevention & Behaviour ChangeSubstance Use Disorders (SUD)

Reduction of alcohol use and increase in psychological flexibility after a naturalistic psychedelic experience: a retrospective survey

In a retrospective survey of 160 people, a naturalistic psychedelic experience was associated with significant reductions in drinking days per week and AUDIT scores and with increased psychological flexibility. Greater reductions in alcohol use were linked to higher baseline AUD severity and lower baseline psychological flexibility, and were associated with the intensity of the mystical experience and with increases in psychological flexibility.

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Authors

  • Kervadec, E.
  • Fauvel, B.
  • Strika-Bruneau, L.

Published

Alcohol and Alcoholism
individual Study

Abstract

Introduction

Alcohol use can be significantly associated with negative social, professional, and health outcomes. Even more so, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a critical public health issue and major avoidable risk factor. This study aimed to examine the effect of a naturalistic psychedelic experience on alcohol use and related measures.

Methods

A retrospective online survey was conducted on 160 individuals who reported a psychedelic experience and a concomitant drinking habit but did not necessarily have an AUD. Demographic data, characteristics of the psychedelic experience, and changes in alcohol consumption and psychological flexibility were surveyed.

Results

The mean number of drinking days per week and AUDIT scores significantly decreased after the psychedelic experience (P < .001). Subjects who quit or reduced drinking had a more severe AUD (P < .01) and lower psychological flexibility (P = .003) before the psychedelic session. Alcohol use reduction was significantly associated with the intensity of the mystical experience (P = .03). Psychological flexibility increased more in participants who reduced their alcohol use (P < .001), and the change in psychological flexibility was one of the predictors of alcohol use improvement (P = .003).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a naturalistic psychedelic experience could be associated with a reduction in alcohol use and dependency. Such positive health outcomes can be associated with the intensity of the mystical experience as well as an increase in psychological flexibility.

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Research Summary of 'Reduction of alcohol use and increase in psychological flexibility after a naturalistic psychedelic experience: a retrospective survey'

Editorial

βBlossom's Take

This survey is useful because it links alcohol reduction after a naturalistic psychedelic experience to psychological flexibility, which is a more concrete bridge than loose claims about self-transcendence. The retrospective design cannot separate the drug from selection or expectancy, but the dose-response style association with mystical intensity makes it a relevant behavioural clue for the SUD literature.

Study Details

Cited By (1)

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