The use of hallucinogens has surged in recent years, with increasing numbers of individuals experimenting with substances like ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, and MDMA. According to Dr. Daniel Myran, a public health researcher, and lead author of a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal “The use of hallucinogens, such as ketamine, psychedelics, psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, and MDMA (Ecstasy), has rapidly increased since the mid-2010s, especially in Canada and the United States. In the US, the percentage of people reporting they used hallucinogens more than doubled from 3.8% in 2016 to 8.9% in 2021.” The study aimed to explore the potential dangers of hallucinogen-related acute care visits and their link to long-term mortality.
The findings suggest that individuals who experience an acute care event related to hallucinogen use are at a significantly increased risk of death within five years. Compared to the general population, these individuals faced a nearly 9.7-fold higher risk of death. The study also identified the most common reasons for hallucinogen-related acute care visits. Harmful use (35.1%) was the leading cause, followed by poisoning (20.9%), intoxication (18.8%), and dependence/withdrawal (13%). When comparing hallucinogen-related mortality risks to other substances, the study found that while the risk was lower than that of opioids or stimulant, it remained significantly higher than alcohol-related acute care cases.
A deeper look into the causes of death among individuals who had a hallucinogen-related acute care event revealed increased risks in several categories. Intentional self-harm emerged as a particularly concerning outcome. This suggests a strong link between hallucinogen-related acute care visits and underlying mental health conditions that may contribute to suicide risk.
Demographic patterns further illuminate the risks associated with hallucinogen-related acute care visits. Women aged 25 to 64 had the highest relative risk of death; in contrast, for men over the age of 65, the association between hallucinogen-related acute care events and mortality was not statistically significant.
The study’s findings serve as a cautionary note for policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals considering hallucinogen use. Ultimately, while hallucinogens may hold promise in clinical settings, their recreational use carries significant risks that should not be overlooked. As their popularity continues to rise, further research and public health initiatives will be necessary to balance their potential benefits with their associated dangers.