Psychedelics are a widely covered topic with interest across all ages and backgrounds. The potential of compounds like psilocybin and LSD have made researchers curious about how the hallucinogenic drugs may help people heal. Various papers and studies roll out as the world learns more about these formerly mysterious drugs. In the process, data continues indicating where care could be more adequate. The most recent nerve-wracking psychedelics news centers on emergency room data and mortality rates.
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A study paper published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal aimed to discover how at-home psychedelic use might impact mortality rates. This study was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, a Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and various grants. The findings showed that people who experience psychedelics-related distress may need different or more extensive support.
Psychedelic research looks from new angle
Researchers looked at almost 11.5M emergency room (ER) visits, hospital admissions, and outpatient appointments in Ontario, CAN, from 2006 to 2022. They analyzed age, sex, income quintile, rurality, immigration, homelessness, past 3-year acute care for 7 types of substances, and mental health history of patients studied.
The data was acquired from ICES, an independent, nonprofit research institute that collects and analyzes health care and demographics legally without consent. This Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)-compliant organization exists to evaluate data and improve the healthcare system. Death records were acquired from the Registered Persons Database, which captures information about those signed up for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Hallucinogen-related hospital visits elevate death risk?
Researchers had a swath of records to compare for a somewhat shocking result.
They looked at cause-specific mortality from the “general population” against those who visited the emergency room or hospital due to hallucinogens.
Of the 11M patients, 7953 (0.07 percent) visited due to hallucinogens. The codes used to identify patients did not explain which drugs were taken, though one of the three specified LSD. Those who sought medical help for hallucinogens did so related to harmful use (35.1 percent), hallucinogen poisoning (20.9 percent), intoxication (18.8 percent), and dependence or withdrawal.
The team pulled follow-up patient records from three to 11 years after the visit to assess ongoing health. They ran the numbers, including and excluding those with comorbid mental and substance abuse disorders, getting the same disappointing results each time. Those who sought out medical care for hallucinogens through OHIP were 2.6 more likely to die within five years compared to the general population. Study authors referred to this rate as “significantly elevated.”
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Study reveals risks worth noting
The risk was persistent despite age or sex, but the study authors cite noteworthy limitations worth considering. This case has not been chart validated, which verifies the presented information.
They noted that there was no way to decipher which hallucinogens were being taken and that the data does not include outcomes of the people who used psychedelics and never sought medical care. Those who fell into the hallucinogen-use group had a high comorbidity with mental and substance abuse disorder, indicating a higher inclination to take risks compared to the general population.
These limitations are vast, but they do not negate the data: people having a psychedelic crisis could likely use more support. With continued interest in psychedelics and efforts to decriminalize them, government agencies need to understand potential public health risks.
This study appears to add to the continued call for an applicable answer to the ongoing worldwide addiction crisis. Lawmakers and voters who move for more access to psychedelics should do so with harm reduction and public health education on psychedelics safety in place.
