Abstract
A growing number of studies point to the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. Despite their illegality, psychedelics are consistently used outside of a controlled research context.
Although they are considered relatively safe, their use is associated with a number of risks, especially in an unregulated environment. The current system of mental and public health care in the Czech Republic does not reflect the characteristic effect of these substances and the needs of their users in order to reduce harm and maximize potential benefits.
The aim of the current study was to explore the use of psychedelics in the Czech Republic from the perspective of users and their subjective experience of their impact on mental health. Subjective experience was determined from a survey among users.
A significant number of users reported that they often experienced improvement but in a lower level also worsening of some mental disorders, especially anxiety, depression, depersonalization / derealization, and others. The findings will serve to inform drug policy and its strategic documents.
The results could also be used to develop health and social services and to create new services that reflect the specific risks and potential of psychedelic substances and the needs of their users.