A recent study has highlighted the intricate relationship between psychedelic drug use, religious involvement, and the likelihood of engaging in violent behaviour. The research examines how religious practices and beliefs may limit the effects of psychedelics on people’s propensities for violence. This study, which utilises data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2015 to 2019, provides valuable insights into how cultural and religious factors can influence the behavioural outcomes of psychedelic use. The findings were published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
Psychedelics have long been associated with positive behavioural changes, including reduced rates of violence and improved mental health outcomes. Research has consistently shown that substances such as psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline can promote openness, mental flexibility, and sustained behavioural changes, potentially reducing the likelihood of criminal activities, including violent assaults. However, the socio-cultural context in which these substances are used plays a crucial role in determining their effects. Viña’s study sought to explore this context by examining the role of religion in shaping the outcomes of psychedelic use.
Sean M. Viña, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of the Incarnate Word, said: “As a medical sociologist, I am deeply interested in how society, culture, and structural factors influence health outcomes. Religion is a vital component of health epidemiology, and given the historical link between psychedelics and spiritual practices, it only made sense to explore this connection in my research.”
Religion is known to significantly influence health and behaviour. More religious individuals tend to have lower rates of depression, substance use disorders, and violent behaviour. This study delved into two key aspects of religiosity: religious attendance (how often individuals participate in religious services) and religious salience (the importance of religion in their daily lives). The findings indicate that both aspects of religiosity are independently associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in violent behaviour.
Interestingly, the study found that the protective effect of religion against violence is not linear. The relationship between religious attendance and violence showed a curvilinear pattern, where both low and high levels of attendance were linked to lower violence rates, but with a notable increase in violence at moderate levels of attendance. This suggests that those who attend religious services, either very rarely or very frequently, may experience different types of social and psychological support that reduce their likelihood of engaging in violence.
Viña further elaborated on the complexities of these findings: “In my research, I not only explored the link between religious beliefs and reduced violent behaviour among psychedelic users but also added complexity by showing that these relationships aren’t always positive. This challenges the current psychiatric model of psychedelics, which often views the relationship between psychedelic use and positive health outcomes as straightforward and unidirectional.”
One of the most significant findings of the study is the interaction between psychedelic use, religious beliefs, and violent behaviour. Individuals who had used psychedelics and also had high levels of religious salience were less likely to engage in violent behaviour, even if they exhibited a propensity for risky behaviour. This three-way interaction suggests that strong religious beliefs may enhance the positive behavioural effects of psychedelics, potentially due to the moral and social frameworks provided by religious teachings.
But Viña cautions against oversimplification: “This has important implications for policymakers. For instance, I found that at moderate levels of religious engagement, psychedelic use is not associated with less dangerous behaviours. This suggests that simply decriminalising these substances without acknowledging their potential harms could lead to unintended consequences. Understanding why some drug users might still engage in harmful behaviours despite religious involvement is crucial for developing effective policies.”
On the other hand, the study also identified potential risks. For individuals with moderate religious involvement, psychedelic use did not significantly reduce violent behaviour, indicating that the protective effects of religion might only be effective at certain levels of religious engagement.
These findings have significant implications, particularly in light of the growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies. As more states in the US move towards the decriminalisation and legalisation of psychedelics for medical use, understanding the role of cultural and religious factors becomes increasingly important. The study suggests that religious contexts may need to be considered when developing psychedelic therapies, as they could influence the outcomes of such treatments.
Viña also hinted at further developments in this area of research: “I’m also excited to share that I have a follow-up study that has been accepted by the same journal and should be in print in a few months. This study examines the relationship between religious beliefs, religious integration, and health outcomes.
“The results show that religion and psychedelic use can indeed lead to better outcomes, but only if the individual has both strong beliefs and a high level of religious integration. In contrast, strong beliefs without community support or religious isolation are associated with worse outcomes. This highlights the importance of the social aspect of these practices, which is often overlooked in clinical settings, for achieving positive health outcomes.”
