Experiences of microdosing with LSD and psilocybin: a subreddit analysis


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    <p>ID: HR19-945</p>

    <p><i>Presenting author:</i>
                                    Toby Lea                        </p>

    <h4 class="My(0)">Presenting author biography:</h4>
            Dr Toby Lea is currently based in Germany and originally from Australia. His research is focused on psychedelic science and LGBTI health, and he conducts applied social health research to understand and improve experiences of mental health and alcohol and other drug treatment.    
    <h1 class="Fz(1.3rem)">Experiences of microdosing with LSD and psilocybin: a subreddit analysis</h1>

    <p>Toby Lea, Nicole Amada, Henrik Jungaberle</p>

    <p>Background<br />
Taking small, “subperceptual” doses of psychedelic drugs to improve mental health and cognitive function, known as “microdosing”, has received considerable media attention recently, but there has been little research conducted. This study aimed to examine experiences of microdosing through a qualitative analysis of online discussion forums. We examined motivations for microdosing, dosing and harm reduction practices, and benefits and limitations people had experienced.</p><p>Methods<br />
We conducted a content analysis of discussion threads from the “microdosing subreddit” of the online discussion website Reddit. The subreddit had 27,095 subscribers at the time of data extraction in March 2018 and 174 threads were extracted by descending date that were relevant to the study aims.</p><p>Results<br />
Motivations for microdosing included self-management of mental health issues; improvement of psychosocial and general wellbeing; and enhancement of performance at work or study. Experienced benefits experienced included: cognitive, creative and motivational enhancement; enhanced insight, mindfulness and self-management; improved mood and attitude; improved habits and health behaviours; social and communication benefits; and ameliorated depression and anxiety. Limitations of microdosing included: dosing issues; adverse physical effects; issues related to taking prohibited substances; limited mental health or cognitive improvement; increased anxiety; and unpleasant “off” days.</p><p>Conclusions<br />
This study represents one of the first investigations of microdosing. Many subreddit contributors perceived that microdosing resulted in considerable improvements to mental health, general wellbeing and cognitive performance. However, many reported issues in getting their dose “right”, concerns about continued access to psychedelics, and limited benefits in ameliorating depression and anxiety. Psychedelic drugs have potential as novel treatments for mental health, but more research is needed to understand beneficial effects and minimise any adverse effects. In the meantime, harm reduction resources should be developed by experts and made available online to provide the best possible information we have on the safe use of psychedelics.</p>
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