The examination of subjective perceptions of individuals using hallucinogenic substances: A qualitative study

The aim of the study was to examine views of individuals using hallucinogenic substances and their habits of psychoactive substance, especially hallucinogenic substances. The sample of the study consists of individuals using hallucinogenic substances in Turkey. A purposive sampling method was used in the study, which is one of the non-random sampling methods. The participants of the study were determined by using the snowball sampling method which is a purposive sampling method. The data of the study were collected by interviews which is a qualitative research method. A semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher were used. In the process of conducting the study, 16 participants were interviewed and detailed information about their use of hallucinogenic substances was obtained through these interviews. The content analysis of the 260-page qualitative data was carried out and the related themes were then determined. The content analysis of the data showed that the participants used hallucinogenic substances such as: LSD, hallucinogenic mushrooms, peyote/mescaline, DMT (ayahuasca, changa), ketamine, salvia divinorum, nutmeg, datura stramonium, DOC, hallucinogenic phenethylamines (2C-E, 2C-B) and morning glory seeds. In addition to these hallucinogenic substances, it was observed that participants also use psychoactive substances like marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine regularly. The study findings revealed that following hallucinogenic substance use, the participants experience various effects on their perception, affection and cognitive processes. It was also observed that the positive effects of substance use outweighed the negative ones. The findings showed that the participants had preferences about time, place, mood and people before hallucinogenic substance use, and made arrangements accordingly. The results suggested that hallucinogenic substance use habits differ from other psychoactive substances. For example, the participants generally used hallucinogenic substances a few months a year and felt no need to increase the dosage or showed any symptoms of withdrawal. Similarly, it was observed that the participants using hallucinogenic substances had different patterns among other psychoactive substance users in terms of reasons for substance use and avenues for supply. It was found that following the hallucinogenic substance use, the participants experience positive changes, and these positive changes generally occur in their personal and social environments. It was also observed that the participants had different knowledge and opinions about the damages of hallucinogenic substance use, but they did not want to quit or seek any treatment for hallucinogenic substance use.