Title & Introduction

  • Paper Title: Attitudes of Psychedelic Users Regarding Cost of Treatment and Non-Hallucinogenic Alternatives
  • Published In: Journal of Psychedelic Studies
  • Publish Date: May 30, 2024
  • Authors: Jacob S. Aday, Kevin F. Boehnke, Moss Herberholz, Daniel J. Kruger
  • Objective: To examine psychedelic users’ perceptions of treatment costs and their openness to non-hallucinogenic psychedelic alternatives for mental health treatment.
  • Importance: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) shows therapeutic promise, but its high costs may limit accessibility. Understanding user perspectives on cost and alternative treatments can inform future policy and clinical models.

Summary & Takeaways

Key Takeaway: While most psychedelic users (76%) believe altered states of consciousness are essential to therapeutic outcomes, a majority (61%) are open to trying non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs. However, their perceived reasonable treatment costs ($70–$80 per hour) are significantly lower than current market rates.

Practical Application: These insights can guide efforts to develop cost-effective treatment models, including group therapy, reduced therapist involvement, and insurance coverage strategies.

Key Background Information

  • Context: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is gaining attention for treating mental health conditions, but cost concerns remain a significant barrier to widespread implementation.
  • Hypothesis: Participants would perceive PAP costs as too high and be open to non-hallucinogenic alternatives despite valuing altered states of consciousness.

Methodology

  • Study Design: Survey-based research on attitudes toward PAP costs and non-hallucinogenic alternatives.
  • Participants: 1,221 self-reported psychedelic users recruited via social media and psychedelic advocacy events.
  • Intervention/Exposure: Respondents answered questions regarding their views on altered states of consciousness, treatment cost expectations, and willingness to try non-hallucinogenic alternatives.
  • Controls: None (self-reported, naturalistic study).
  • Duration: Data collected from September 18 to November 5, 2022.

Key Findings

Primary Outcomes:

  • 76% of participants considered altered states of consciousness "very" or "extremely" important to therapeutic outcomes.
  • 61% were at least moderately likely to try a non-hallucinogenic alternative.
  • There was an inverse relationship between the importance of altered states and willingness to try non-hallucinogenic substances (r = -0.24, p < 0.001).
  • The average perceived reasonable costs for psychedelic services were:
    • $418 for a full-day (6–12 hour) psychedelic therapy session.
    • $168 for a 2-hour ketamine session.
    • $78 per hour for preparation or integration therapy.

Secondary Outcomes:

  • Perceived reasonable costs were well below current market prices, which can reach thousands of dollars per session.
  • A subset of users (18%) rejected non-hallucinogenic alternatives entirely, highlighting the importance of psychoactive effects in treatment.

Interpretation & Implications

  • Conclusion: Psychedelic users value the subjective experience of altered states but remain open to non-hallucinogenic alternatives if they provide similar benefits.
  • Implications: Cost remains a major barrier to PAP adoption, requiring innovative solutions such as group therapy, insurance coverage, and non-hallucinogenic treatment options.
  • Limitations: The study relied on self-reported data from a convenience sample, limiting generalizability. Additionally, cost perceptions may vary based on socioeconomic status and regional healthcare policies.

Researchers & Publication

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