Hallucinogen use is associated with mental health and addictive problems and impulsivity in university students

BACKGROUND: This study examined the prevalence of hallucinogen use in a large sample of university students and its associations with mental health issues. METHODS: 9449 students received a 156-item anonymous online survey, which assessed the use of hallucinogens (ever or past year), alcohol and drug use, mental health issues, and impulsive and compulsive traits. Group differences were characterized using statistical tests (p values reported uncorrected, but only regarded as significant if surviving Bonferroni correction). RESULTS: 3525 university students (57.7% female) responded to the survey. The prevalence of past 12-month hallucinogen use in the sample was 4.7%, with an additional 6.4% reporting having used more than 12 months ago. Hallucinogen use was associated with the use of multiple other drugs (e.g., alcohol, opiates) (each p < 0.001), mental health problems (p < 0.001), risky sexual behavior (p < 0.001), low self-esteem (p = 0.004), and impulsivity traits (p < 0.001) but not compulsivity. Effect sizes were small to medium. CONCLUSION: Past use of hallucinogens was reported in 11.1%, and was associated with a variety of mental health and drug use problems. Clinicians should be aware that use of hallucinogens is common and mental health problems are more likely in those who use hallucinogens. This study indicates the need for longitudinal research into the negative effects of hallucinogen use on brain function and mental health, especially in young people. Such research should address the extent to which impulsive traits predispose to various substance use problems, versus the direct effects of hallucinogens (and other substances) on mental health.