Contexts, Risks, and Affordances among Autistic Adults Using Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes: A Naturalistic, Mixed-Methods Study
Abstract
<p>Background: Autistic adults are under-investigated in psychedelic research, despite speculated elevated likelihood of substance use for therapeutic and recreational purposes. <h4>Aims:</h4> This study explored contexts of naturalistic psychedelic use and wellbeing and mental health indicators in a group of Autistic adults using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, and compared these with the broader population of naturalistic psychedelic users. <h4>Methods:</h4> Secondary analysis of Global Psychedelic Survey 2023 data (N = 6,378) was undertaken with a sub-sample of naturalistic psychedelic users who self-indicated being Autistic adults who used psychedelics therapeutically. A convergent parallel mixed-methods study design investigated quantitative between-group differences in contexts of naturalistic psychedelic use and mental health indicators, and explored qualitative implications for wellbeing in the Autistic sub-sample. <h4>Results:</h4> Compared with other psychedelic users (n = 6,166), the Autistic sub-sample (n = 212) reported higher rates of lifetime use of less common psychedelic substances and use in structured therapeutic settings, lower perceived psychedelic knowledge and experience, and greater prevalence of persisting hallucinations (65.09%) and clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (57.35%) and depression (60.66%) at the time of survey completion. Concurrently, three qualitative themes described largely beneficial, yet context-dependent implications for wellbeing within the Autistic sub-sample: Shifting Perspectives, Therapeutic Utility, and Conditional Affordances. <h4>Conclusions:</h4> Integrated mixed-methods findings highlighted that wellbeing-related affordances of psychedelic use in the Autistic sub-sample were sometimes contingent on context and support, and adverse mental health indicators could co-exist with personal growth. Future research should further evaluate quality-of-life and adverse outcomes from psychedelic use in Autistic populations.</p>
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