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Study Analyzes 25,000 Psychedelic Support Hotline Calls, Revealing Real-World Experiences
Key points
- Study analyzed 25,419 interactions from a psychedelic support hotline.
- Dataset covers calls from April 2021 to February 2026.
- Includes experiences with psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, ayahuasca, and cannabis.
- Offers data on psychedelic use outside controlled clinical trials.
Largest Dataset of Psychedelic Support Interactions
A study published in Science Advances details the analysis of over 25,000 calls to a psychedelic support hotline. This dataset, compiled by The Fireside Project, represents the largest collection of psychedelic support interactions ever assembled, significantly exceeding the sample sizes of all published psychedelic clinical trials combined.
Addressing a Knowledge Gap
Existing research on psychedelics primarily focuses on clinical settings with selected patients. However, most psychedelic use occurs in uncontrolled environments like homes or festivals. This new dataset provides crucial information on the effects of these substances in real-world scenarios, filling a significant gap in scientific understanding.
Data Collection and Scope
The Fireside Project, a nonprofit founded in 2020, operates the Psychedelic Support Line, connecting callers with trained volunteers. The study analyzed 25,419 anonymized phone calls and text exchanges with 220 volunteers between April 2021 and February 2026. The interactions cover experiences with various substances, including psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, ayahuasca, and cannabis.
Implications for Research
Félix Schoeller, lead author of the study and senior research scientist at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, described the dataset as a 'treasure trove.' It offers an unprecedented view into psychedelic experiences beyond the underground world, providing data that aligns with biomedical science principles while acknowledging existing cultural knowledge.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Researchers published a study in Science Advances analyzing over 25,000 calls to a psychedelic support hotline, creating the largest dataset of real-world psychedelic experiences. This data provides insights into the effects of substances like psilocybin, ketamine, and LSD outside of clinical settings, addressing a significant knowledge gap in psychedelic research.