Researching 12-Step Recovery and Psychedelics: A Call for Participation
For decades, researchers have struggled to study 12-Step fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Their commitment to anonymity, decentralized structure, and wariness toward outside involvement—while essential to protecting members—have made formal research difficult. Surveys are rarely sanctioned by the fellowships, and many members are understandably cautious about participating in academic studies that could expose them or misrepresent their experiences.
Yet, despite these challenges, research has slowly emerged demonstrating both the benefits and limitations of 12-Step participation in recovery from substance use disorders. Importantly, it has been the members themselves—those willing to share their experiences confidentially—that have made this possible.
PIR’s Role in Bridging the Gap
At Psychedelics in Recovery (PIR), we know firsthand how powerful it can be to explore the intersection of 12-Step recovery and psychedelic experiences. Our community has been invited to contribute to a handful of carefully designed research projects that honor both the spirit of anonymity and the importance of rigorous data. PIR members have shared their voices in surveys and interviews that are beginning to shape how the wider world understands recovery, spirituality, and healing.
A New Study: Psychedelics 12-Step Recovery Survey
We are excited to share a new opportunity to participate in research led by Dr. Nicky Mehtani at the University of California, San Francisco. This study seeks to learn more about how people combine classic psychedelics (such as psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, DMT, or ibogaine) with engagement in 12-Step recovery programs.
Participation involves a 30-minute confidential survey. Those who provide an email address for follow-up will receive a $20 gift card, and a subset of participants may be invited to a Zoom interview (with a pseudonym, not your real name), which comes with an additional $50 gift card. Importantly, this research is protected by a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health, which safeguards your privacy.
You can skip any questions you don’t want to answer, and resources are provided if the content feels difficult.
Why This Matters
By participating, you help ensure that the unique experiences of people navigating both psychedelics and 12-Step recovery are represented in the scientific record. These voices are too often missing from mainstream conversations about addiction and healing.
Take Part
If you feel called to contribute, please consider participating:
👉 Click here to take the survey
Together, we can help build understanding, reduce stigma, and expand the conversation around recovery and psychedelics.
