Acute and enduring effects of naturalistic psychedelic use among Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States.

Abstract

Experiences of past and present oppression/discrimination towards Turtle Island's Indigenous peoples are pervasive, contributing to symptoms of stress and trauma. Psychedelic substances have been shown to be effective for treating multiple disorders; however, there is a lack of research within Indigenous groups. This study examined the effects of naturalistic psychedelic use on recalled psychological distress and trauma symptoms among Indigenous peoples living in the United States and Canada who had experienced racial trauma. Participants were asked to recall a memorable psychedelic experience and report experiences of past racial trauma and retrospective changes in mental health symptoms within a cross-sectional internet-based survey focusing on people of colour in North America. Sixty-six participants (74.3% residents of Canada, 60.6% female, mean age of 35.9 years) self-identified as Indigenous. Participants mostly reported oral intake of psilocybin, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or lysergic acid diethylamide, and reported frequent experiences of ethnic discrimination and high levels of related stress. Participants recalled experiencing fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, symptoms of discrimination, and alcohol use in the 30 days after (vs. before) the psychedelic experience. Greater overall changes were recalled following psilocybin consumption, whereas differential effects were found based on Tribal land, reservation, or reserve residency and participant sex. Exploratory analyses suggested that measures of ethnic discrimination, residency, substance consumed, and sex were related to recalled changes in symptoms. As the healing powers of psychedelic medicines gain in mainstream popularity, one must consider the historical contexts, implications, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. Several reflection questions are recommended to aid psychedelic stakeholders in conducting their work in an allied manner. Public Significance StatementThe present study found that naturalistic psychedelic substance consumption led to recalled improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma symptoms of discrimination, and alcohol use, in the 30 days after (vs. before) the psychedelic experience in Indigenous people who had experienced racial trauma. In particular, psilocybin led to the greatest recalled improvements, whereas differential

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Oppression Using the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale

“…The TSDS was used as the primary outcome measure in a series of studies examining psychedelics and racial trauma. [16][17][18] The retrospective study included 313 diverse Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) in the U.S. and Canada who reported a memorable psychedelic experience that helped them cope with racial trauma. There was a significant decrease in symptoms, using the TSDS, before and after the psychedelic experience.…”

Could classic psychedelics influence immigrants’ acculturation process? A narrative review contemplating how

“…immigrants), recent cross-sectional, retrospective studies have associated psychedelic use with better mental health outcomes (e.g. decreased anxiety, feelings of isolation, or concerns of future discrimination) following racial trauma in black, indigenous, and people of color (Ching et al, 2022; Haeny et al, 2023; Walsh et al, 2022; De la Salle et al, 2022). Initial findings suggest that psychedelic experiences positively impact victims of discrimination by increasing their psychological flexibility (Davis et al, 2021; Haeny et al, 2023), a fundamental aspect of mental health characterized by one's ability to manage stress and respond with adaptive behaviors (Kashdan and Rottenberg, 2010).…”

“…Recent work in the budding field of psychedelic research, however, suggests that classic psychedelics may help targeted minority groups (i.e. immigrants) better process and respond to discrimination, as well as use these challenging experiences as a chance for personal growth (Ching et al, 2022; Haeny et al, 2023; Williams et al, 2020; De la Salle et al, 2022). Classic psychedelics are serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonists that can alter individuals’ perceptions, moods, and cognitive processes (Nichols, 2016).…”

Building a socially and culturally responsive psychology / engendrer une psychologie plus réceptive sur le plan social et culturel.

“…Leur examen met en évidence les données nationales concernant les communautés autochtones, notamment la surreprésentation des Autochtones tant dans le système de protection de l’enfance que le système de justice pénale, et fournit des recommandations en matière de politique et de traitement pour combattre de telles injustices. de la Salle et al (2022) écrivent au sujet des effets graves et persistants de l’usage des psychédéliques naturels au sein des Autochtones au Canada et aux États-Unis. Ils proposent un ensemble de questions de réflexion pour soutenir les collaborateurs du domaine des psychédéliques dans leur travail en formant un front commun.…”

“…Their review highlights national-level data relevant to Indigenous communities, such as the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in both child welfare and criminal justice systems, and provides policy and treatment recommendations to address such inequities. de la Salle et al (2022) write about the acute and enduring effects of naturalistic psychedelic use among Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States. They propose a set of reflection questions to aid psychedelic collaborators in conducting their work in an allied manner.…”