Perception of hallucinogen use risks and associated hallucinogen use in the United States: results from a large national sample

Background: Our research hypothesis suggests that individuals who perceived hallucinogens as a high-risk substance may have lower odds of using hallucinogens. Methods: Data were extracted from three waves (2017-2019) of the National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Two measurements evaluating perception of hallucinogen use risks were selected: risk trying LSD once or twice (unweighted n = 61,982) and risk using LSD once or twice a week (unweighted n = 23,734). Multivariable logistic regressions were estimated following propensity score matching. Results: Respondents who thought trying LSD once or twice may bring moderate to great risks to human health were less likely to use LSD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.21; p < .01) and other types of hallucinogens (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.27; p < .01). Respondents who thought using LSD once or twice per week may bring moderate to great risks to human health also were less likely to use LSD (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.31; p < .01) and other types of hallucinogens (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.40; p < .01). Conclusions: The empirical evidence from this research suggests that perceptions of hallucinogen use risks were associated with the actual hallucinogen use.