Hopelessness, Suicidality, and Co-Occurring Substance Use among Adolescent Hallucinogen Users-A National Survey Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Hallucinogens are being explored for psychiatric treatment.
• Recreational microdosing of illicit hallucinogens is increasing.
• Limited data exists on adolescent hallucinogen use and associated risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of hallucinogen use among US adolescents.
• To assess the odds of hopelessness and suicidality in adolescent hallucinogen users.
• To determine the prevalence of co-occurring substance use in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data (2001-2019).
• Identified hallucinogen use (LSD, PCP, mescaline, mushrooms).
• Analyzed associations with mental health indicators and substance use.

Main Results:

• 8.4% of 125,550 adolescents reported hallucinogen use.
• Hallucinogen use decreased from 13.3% (2001) to 7.0% (2019).
• Users had higher odds of hopelessness (aOR: 1.40), suicidal consideration (aOR: 1.36), and planning (aOR: 1.49).
• Increased prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other illicit drug use was observed.

Conclusions:

• Hallucinogen use has declined among US adolescents.
• Adolescent hallucinogen users face elevated risks for mental health issues and co-occurring substance use.
• Further research is critical to understand the impact of recreational hallucinogen use in adolescents.