Justice Involvement and Hallucinogen Use Among US Adults: Exploring Health Problems, Other Substance Use, and...

This study explores hallucinogen use, comparing adults with and without a recent history of justice involvement. While past research finds that justice-involved adults are more prone to health problems and substance use behaviors, less attention has been paid to hallucinogen use. Using data from 2021 to 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we assessed the association between past-year justice involvement and hallucinogen use among U.S. adults. Logistic regression models include demographic characteristics, health-related measures, and other types of substance use. Results indicate that hallucinogen use continues to increase, particularly among adults with recent justice involvement. While both poor health and substance use behaviors were significantly associated with hallucinogen use, once other types of substance use were included in the analysis there was no longer a significant difference in hallucinogen use based on justice involvement. Lastly, we identified several differences in correlates of hallucinogen use among adults with and without justice involvement. Research on hallucinogens is important as some states have moved to decriminalize use and prevalence has increased in recent years. Given the increased risk for poor health and substance use among adults with criminal justice contact, research in this area is important.