Exploring the effects of microdosing on health behaviour change
Microdosers report improved sleep, more exercise, and reduced addictive behaviours. Unsurprisingly, the intention to change predicted actual behaviour change.
While microdosing psychedelics is increasingly popular for enhancing well-being, its effects on health behaviour change (HBC) remain poorly understood.
This new study investigated self-reported health-related behaviour changes and putative underlying psychological mechanisms associated with psychedelic microdosing in a naturalistic setting.
A retrospective mixed-method survey was conducted with 365 participants who had experience with psychedelic microdosing. Participants completed quantitative and qualitative items assessing changes in health behaviours (e.g., sleep, physical activity, diet) and psychological mechanisms (e.g., self-efficacy, emotional regulation) as a result of microdosing. Qualitative responses were analyzed thematically, and logistic regressions explored associations between behavioural change and individual/contextual predictors.
Microdosing was associated with positive changes across several health behaviours, most commonly in sleep, contemplative practices, physical activity, and work-life balance. Intention to change emerged as the strongest predictor of behavioural change, while dose, protocol, and psychiatric status were not significant predictors. Thematic analysis identified potential psychological mechanisms such as improved mental health, cognitive clarity, self-awareness, self-determination, and relatedness.
This study provides an initial exploration into the health-related behaviour changes in microdosing. Future controlled studies should explore how microdosing might best support intentional health-promoting interventions.
Prochazkova L, Carvalho LC, Marrouch N, Encantado J, Teixeira PJ. Exploring the effects of microdosing on health behaviour change. Neuropharmacology. 2026 Jan 1;282:110688. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110688. Epub 2025 Oct 3. PMID: 41046929. Access paper
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