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Published on: February 10, 2012
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Associations between classic psychedelics and nicotine dependence in a nationally representative sample
Grant Jones1, Joshua Lipson2, Matthew K Nock3
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. gmj005@g.harvard.edu.
Scientific Reports
|June 22, 2022
Summary
Lifetime use of psilocybin, mescaline, and peyote is linked to lower odds of nicotine dependence. Conversely, LSD use was associated with increased odds, highlighting the need for further research into psychedelic treatments for smoking cessation.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death globally.
- Existing smoking cessation treatments are ineffective for most smokers.
- Classic psychedelics show potential in treating substance dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lifetime use of classic psychedelics and current nicotine dependence.
- To explore differences in nicotine dependence odds based on specific psychedelic substances.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 214,505 adult participants in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015-2019).
- Utilized multivariable logistic regression models to assess associations.
- Examined lifetime use of tryptamine, lysergamide, and phenethylamine psychedelics.
Main Results:
- Lifetime psilocybin use was associated with reduced odds of nicotine dependence (aOR 0.87-0.93).
- Peyote and mescaline use were linked to lower odds of nicotine dependence (aOR 0.79-0.91).
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use was associated with increased odds of nicotine dependence (aOR 1.17-1.24).
Conclusions:
- Psilocybin, mescaline, and peyote use show a correlation with decreased nicotine dependence.
- LSD use appears to be associated with increased nicotine dependence.
- Further experimental research is warranted to confirm causality and explore psychedelic-assisted smoking cessation therapies.
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