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Background: Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in LSD, specifically because of the use of LSD in the treatment of numerous psychiatric disorders. This study investigates current information on the trends and correlates of LSD use from years 2002 to 2018 and seeks to develop an initial typology of use and misuse. Based on this typology further implications and interventions are discussed.
Methods: Data is taken from the NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) collected between 2002 and 2018 and trends and correlates of LSD use were analyzed with a survey adjusted logistic regression.
Results: Our findings indicate that LSD use has increased 200% over the study period (.23% 2002-2005 to .72% 2015-2018, AOR= 1.10, 95% CI= 1.08, 1.12). Our findings also indicate several correlates of LSD use including higher levels of education (college degrees: AOR= 1.62, 95% CI= 1.23, 2.13), not being married (divorced or separated, AOR= 2.31, 95% CI= 1.44, 3.73, and have never been married, AOR= 5.67, f 95% CI= 4.09, 7.86), as well as higher levels of antisocial behavior (having been arrested AOR= 3.20, 95% CI= 2.50, 4.09) and comorbid mental health and substance abuse disorders (serious psychological distress, AOR= 2.39, 95% CI= 2.05, 2.80). Further, four distinct subclasses were also discovered within LSD users and two of these subtypes of LSD users contained comorbid mental health disturbances and heavy involvement in the criminal justice system.
Conclusion: LSD use has been on the rise within the last decades, particularly among those who are well educated. Four distinct subclasses of LSD use were discovered, two of these subclasses of LSD use (those with severe comorbid mental health disorders and those with criminal justice involvement) may require further interventions. There are future implications in regard to LSD becoming a frontline treatment for certain psychiatric disorders.