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Can Psychedelics Spark Healthy Habits?

Article Title: “Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings”

Author: Pedro J. Teixeira, Rakesh Jain, Andrew D. Penn, Steven P. Cole, Saundra Jain, Arlen C. Moller, Helena Amaro, Charles Raison

Publication Date: 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103161

Background

Psychedelics are rapidly gaining recognition for their therapeutic potential, particularly in treating mental health conditions. While their impact on psychological symptoms has been well explored, less is known about how they influence broader health behaviours like diet, substance use, and impulsive actions. This study bridges that gap by examining how naturalistic (non-clinical) psychedelic use affects everyday health-related behaviours in a large and diverse adult population.

Study Overview

Researchers conducted an extensive online survey with 2,510 U.S. adults who had used psychedelics at least once. Participants retrospectively reported on changes they noticed in their health behaviours after psychedelic experiences. The study assessed variables such as alcohol and tobacco use, diet, and impulsive behaviours including aggression, criminality, and suicidal thoughts. It also examined the role of microdosing and the specific psychedelic used.

Key Findings

Substance Use Reduction:
- 66% reported reduced alcohol misuse
- 49% reported reduced cigarette smoking
- Cannabis, opiates, and benzodiazepines saw reductions in use by 36–40%
Dietary Habits:
- Nearly half (49.4%) said their eating habits improved
Impulsivity and Mental Health:
- 72% reported improved control over aggressive impulses
- 69% reported reduced suicidal ideation
- 48% reported fewer criminal impulses
Microdosing Matters:
- Participants who had microdosed were significantly more likely to report positive changes in all health domains
Substance Type Differences:
- Psilocybin users showed more improvement in eating behaviours than LSD users
- No major differences in other behavioural domains between substances
Frequency Counts:
- Higher frequency of psychedelic use was associated with greater positive behavioural changes

Discussion

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that psychedelics, when used thoughtfully and outside of clinical settings, may support meaningful improvements in daily health behaviours. While clinical trials often focus on symptom relief for depression, anxiety, or addiction, this research highlights a broader impact on lifestyle, including substance use reduction, diet, and impulse control. The strength of these effects appears amplified in those who microdose or use psychedelics more frequently.

That said, the study is based on self-reported and retrospective data, which can be influenced by memory or bias. It also captures correlation rather than causation. Nonetheless, it provides compelling real-world insight into how people perceive their lives have changed after psychedelic use.

Implications

The findings suggest that psychedelics may have a role beyond mental health therapy. They could serve as tools for lifestyle improvement, potentially reducing the burden of chronic conditions linked to poor diet, substance misuse, and impulsive behaviour. Moreover, the data support the idea that psychedelic experiences, particularly when microdosed, might reinforce personal agency and motivation for self-care.

Potential Application

For psychedelic retreats and facilitators, these results support integrating health-related intentions into retreat preparation and integration. Retreats may consider offering support not only for emotional and spiritual growth, but also for behaviour change in areas such as diet, substance habits, and life planning. Programmes that incorporate microdosing education and habit-forming practices could enhance the long-term impact of psychedelic experiences.

Conclusions

Psychedelics appear to catalyse a range of positive behavioural changes, particularly when microdosed or used repeatedly. While causation cannot be confirmed, the evidence suggests a meaningful link between psychedelic use and improved health behaviours in everyday life. These findings point to an exciting frontier for psychedelic retreats and public health alike.

Reference:

Teixeira, P. J., Jain, R., Penn, A. D., Cole, S. P., Jain, S., Moller, A. C., Amaro, H., & Raison, C. (2025). Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings. Preventive Medicine Reports, 56, 103161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103161

Can Psychedelics Spark Healthy Habits?