Accounting for Microdosing Classic Psychedelics

Abstract

Microdosing classic psychedelics (e.g., LSD [lysergic acid diethylamide] and psilocybin) is the practice of taking small amounts of these substances to bring about various positive life changes. Little is known about the subjective experiences and perceptions of those who engage in the practice. Accordingly, we use the sociology of accounts as a theoretical framework to explore the ways that those who microdose excuse or justify their practice. Using data from semistructured interviews with 30 people who had microdosed, we find that none provided excuses for their microdosing, but all offered one or more justifications. When discussing their microdosing, participants emphasized six key justifications: denial of injury, self-sustaining, self-fulfillment, appeal to normality, appeal to loyalties, and knowledgeableness. Findings provide insights into the subjective experiences of those who microdose, including the ways that they attempt to align their actions with societal expectations.

The emerging science of microdosing: A systematic review of research on low dose psychedelics (1955 – 2021)

“…Three qualitative studies (Anderson et al, 2019b;Beaton et al, 2020;Webb et al, 2019), and one retrospective survey study (Bright et al, 2021) showed increases in the overlapping constructs of wellbeing, self-fulfilment, self-efficacy, and resilience.…”

“…Several studies assessed respondents' reasons for microdosing. A wide variety of motives were reported, including performance enhancement, mood enhancement, and curiosity (Hutten et al, 2019a); treatment of health conditions (Hutten et al, 2019b); selffulfilment, coping with negative situations, and increasing social connection (Beaton et al, 2020); improving mental health, personal/spiritual development, and enhancing cognitive performance (Lea et al, 2020b). In general, participants reported confidence that microdosing fulfilled these aims (e.g., Anderson et al, 2019a;Cameron et al, 2020;Petranker, Anderson, Maier, et al, 2020).…”

“…Much more consistent were increases in interpersonal feelings, attitudes, and behaviours (coded as sociability in Table 3). One early lab study (Greiner et al, 1958), one prospective study (Kaertner et al, 2021), three survey studies (Cameron et al, 2020;Lea et al, 2020b;Petranker, Anderson, Maier, et al, 2020), and nearly all of the qualitative studies reported improved relationships and interpersonal connection (Beaton et al, 2020;Fadiman & Korb, 2019;Johnstad, 2018;Lea et al, 2020a;Webb et al, 2019). However, one controlled lab study found no increase in sensitivity to social rejection during acute effects (Bershad et al, 2019) and one prospective study found no increase in social connectedness compared to placebo (Szigeti et al, 2021).…”

Sociological investigations of human enhancement drugs: The case of microdosing psychedelics

“…Drawing on the same data set and expanding on the findings of the above study, Beaton et al (2019) looked into how participants accounted for their microdosing to manage the potential stigma of illegal drug use. Using the conceptual framework of accounts as ways that people align their behaviors with social expectations, the authors noted participants' concern with potential negative judgment from others.…”

“…Of the diverse and often competing forces making up the psychedelics renaissance, some of the most powerful ones that merit a closer examination are: a) growing scientific research in psychedelics following a decades-long hiatus, mainly in clinical psychiatry and neuroscience, that focuses on their therapeutic potential for mental health. A series of studies demonstrate the significant potential of psychedelics in high doses for treating effectively and with limited risk Methodologically, qualitative research based on interviews has already begun revealing a rich mosaic of user motivations, perceptions and experiences that complements and deepens the findings of the more numerous survey-based studies (Beaton et al, 2019;Johnstad 2018;Webb et al, 2019). The future inclusion of different groups of research participants would work towards a fuller understanding of the dynamic and multi-faceted development of microdosing.…”