Motivationen und Morphologie des Freizeitgebrauchs von Psychedelika (LSD, Psilocybin-Pilze) : eine qualitative Interviewstudie

This study investigates recreational use of psychedelic drugs (LSD, hallucinogenic mushrooms) by qualitative methods, i.e. narrative interviews (n=32) and qualitative content analysis. Thematic dimensions: personal motivations and functions of use, typical consumption patterns, preferred settings of use, characteristics of subjective drug experiences, and cognitions about consequences. It was found that the onset of use can follow specific intentions and interest for psychedelics, or starts due to availability of hallucinogens. In the continuation of psychedelics use, one group reports the motivation of self exploration and search for spiritual insight, connected with moderate use in private settings, introspective drug experiences and perceived benefits. Another group reports hedonistic motivations (sensory enhancement, sensation seeking) and intensive use in public party settings. A third group reports multiple motivations with various combinations of heuristic and hedonistic functions of use. A central conclusion is that subjective motivations reflect personal set and socio-cultural setting, and tend to be confirmed like a self-fulfilling prophecy.