Psychedelics are gaining popularity, often hailed in headlines as powerful tools for improving mental health. However, a recent Canadian study sheds light on a troubling association between bad psychedelic trips and an increased risk of early death. According to research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, individuals who experience severe reactions to hallucinogenic drugs are at a 2.6 times higher risk of dying within five years.
Dr Daniel Myran, the study’s lead author and a public health expert at the University of Ottawa, shared his concerns about the growing narrative around psychedelics. While psychedelics in controlled clinical trials show promise, the realities of uncontrolled use in everyday settings paint a very different and concerning picture.
“There’s a lot of media buzz about how psychedelic-assisted therapy is really promising in clinical trials. However, we wondered how people who aren’t in those trials may react in real-world settings,” Myran explained.
Psychedelic Emergencies Rare but Concerning
The study analysed medical data captured through Canada’s universal health system to assess how often severe psychedelic reactions led to emergency room visits. Only about 3% of users required hospitalisation. Still, the implications for this small group are alarming.
Those presenting in emergency care typically reported psychosis, disturbing hallucinations, panic attacks, or mental health crises. Tragically, suicide was identified as the most common cause of early death among these individuals, followed by unintentional drug poisoning, respiratory disease, and cancer.
Long-Term Impacts of Bad Psychedelic Reactions
Dr Charles Raison, a psychiatry professor and an expert in psychedelic studies at the University of Wisconsin, noted that adverse outcomes sometimes persist well beyond the initial episode.
“Maybe one in 20 people report having ongoing difficulties they ascribe to the psychedelic experience. A year later, they say, ‘I had an experience so distressing it messed up my ability to function, alienated me from my family, or gave me PTSD,’” Raison said.
The study further highlighted that even clinical trials, often considered the ‘gold standard’ for psychedelic research, have seen participants suffer adverse effects. For instance, in one study involving psilocybin, three out of 79 people in the high-dose group attempted suicide, further underscoring the risks.
The Risks of Psychedelics Outside Clinical Settings
One of the most significant differences between clinical trials and real-world use is supervision. Clinical trials rely on carefully controlled environments, employing measured doses, pure substances, and professional support from trained therapists. Participants with any history of mental health conditions that could trigger adverse reactions are screened out from the start.
Meanwhile, recreational use presents a host of variables. Hallucinogens purchased off the street can contain impurities or unknown substances, making their potency and effects unpredictable. The lack of professional guidance during a ‘bad trip’ can exacerbate already dire situations.
“You’re in a controlled environment with help standing by [in trials],” Dr Myran explained. “That is very different from the experience for people outside of these trials.”
The Rising Popularity of Psychedelics
Despite the risks, the global interest in psychedelics continues to surge. According to a 2024 RAND Corporation report, 31.5 million Americans have tried psilocybin or LSD in their lifetime, with usage highest among young adults aged 20 to 24. Similarly, in Canada, 6% of adults used psychedelics in 2023, suggesting a growing trend, particularly among younger generations.
Microdosing, where users take small amounts of psychedelics without experiencing significant hallucinations, has especially gained traction. However, experts urge caution, emphasising that the broader implications and safety concerns associated with widespread use remain unclear.
Potential Life-Threatening Consequences
Researchers have raised concerns about the growing narrative of psychedelics as a “miracle cure” for mental health issues. While positive media coverage often overlooks the risks, professionals like Dr Myran stress the importance of nuanced discussions.
“I worry that people read these positive headlines and think, ‘Oh, I should start taking these; it’ll be excellent for my mental health,’” Myran said. “We actually don’t have particularly good evidence for that.”
The study concludes that while the majority of users may not face emergencies, those who do can suffer severe consequences, impacting both their immediate and long-term wellbeing. (Source: WRD News)
