Abstract

Background Population-based data regarding the epidemiology of hallucinogen use and co-occurring psychiatric disorders is largely absent from the literature. We aim to present findings on the prevalence, sociodemographic correlates, psychiatric comorbidity, treatment utilization, social support and associated disability of hallucinogen use using nationally representative data.

Method We analyzed data from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (2011–2012, N = 36,309). We conducted multivariate logistic regression analyses in unadjusted and adjusted models in order to explore the odds of psychiatric disorders and associated disability among hallucinogen users.

Results Prevalence of twelve-month and lifetime hallucinogen use was 0.62% and 9.32%, respectively. Hallucinogen use was found to be significantly associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders and substance use disorders. Following adjustment, significant associations were retained with several substance use disorders (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for heroin use disorder = 4.89 (95% CI, 1.90–12.58), personality disorders (AOR = 2.10 (95% CI, 1.81–2.44)), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.00–3.45) and past suicide attempts (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.21–1.85).