Preliminary research data analysis of LSD consumption in Britain: a qualitative pilot study

Objectives: The experiences of taking psychedelic drugs (often referred to as taking a ‘trip’) may be difficult to articulate for a number of reasons which defy conventional scientific reasoning. Reports (often anecdotal) include anomalous accounts such as out of body experiences, intense hallucinations increased sensuality to the immediate environment and other people, experiencing spiritual awakening, the death of the ego and brief glimpses of spiritual and ecological enlightenment resulting in changes in one’s ego structures and sense of self. The aim of this project is to gather data on numerous areas associated with psychedelic drug usage so that the data is rich and has accounted for the vastly complex multi-disciplinary nature of this field of study. Design: Very little research has been carried out empirically on the content of these experiences and the way a user articulates the meaning gathered from very often is the case semi-lucid ‘trips’. More so, there is a notable niche in this field of study to carry out research with psychedelic drug users, specifically regular LSD users. Methods: We will be undertaking a qualitative methodology using one-to-one, semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis will be adopted to assess how the experient makes sense of their worldview in relation to psychedelic drug usage. Results: This conference presentation is based on our pilot interviews 4/5 so subsequently is a preliminary analysis within the research project. Conclusions: We anticipate presenting rich and varied information around psychedelic usage, social/self-identity and environmental considerations.