In this article
A groundbreaking global survey has revealed that individuals with eating disorders often rate cannabis and psychedelics, including magic mushrooms and LSD, as more effective at relieving their eating disorder symptoms than traditional prescribed antidepressants.
Survey Overview and Participation
This international study surveyed more than 7,600 people from 83 countries who self-reported either a diagnosed eating disorder or disordered eating causing distress.
Respondents completed a detailed questionnaire assessing how prescription and non-prescription substances affected their eating disorder symptoms and overall mental health.
Major diagnoses included:
- Anorexia nervosa (~40% of participants)
- Bulimia nervosa (~19%)
- Binge-eating disorder (~11%)
- ARFID (~9%)
About one third had no formal diagnosis but reported distressing eating issues. Most participants were female (94%) and from Australia, the UK or the US. Co-morbid conditions were common. Depression (65%), anxiety (55%), ADHD (33%), and substance misuse (15%) were frequently reported.
Key Findings: Cannabis and Psychedelics Rated Highest
Respondents rated cannabis and psychedelics among the most effective substances for alleviating eating disorder symptoms. Cannabis was especially valued by people with restrictive disorders like anorexia and ARFID, likely due to its appetite-stimulating and anxiety-reducing effects. In contrast, antidepressants were rated positively for general mental health improvements but not for reducing core eating disorder symptoms. Exceptions included:
- Fluoxetine, helpful for bulimia
- Lisdexamfetamine, rated useful in binge-eating disorder but poorly rated for anorexia or restrictive disorders due to its appetite-suppressing effect
Patterns of Substance Use and Effectiveness
Cannabis users were often daily consumers and often reported major improvements in ED symptoms. Psychedelics were typically used only once or twice per year but were still rated highly for long-lasting effects on symptom relief and mental health. The survey also included qualitative responses from numerous participants. Common themes included life-changing transformations, new insights into their illness, increased emotional wellbeing and a sense of connectedness after psychedelic experiences. Microdosing was mentioned by a minority who found lasting benefits over time, even from small doses.
Substances Rated Unfavorably
Alcohol, nicotine and tobacco consistently scored worst across the board, with many respondents reporting that these substances worsened both their eating disorder symptoms and mental health. Cocaine similarly was rated negatively and sometimes exacerbated symptom burden in individuals who were already struggling with control.
Expert Commentary and Next Steps
Lead author Sarah-Catherine Rodan emphasized that the study provides unique insight into lived experience and signals promising areas for future research. She noted that standard medications may help treat depression or anxiety, but they generally fall short in treating eating disorder symptoms directly.
Co-author Professor Iain S. McGregor added that the results point to cannabis and psychedelics as potential new avenues for treatment, especially given the limited effectiveness of current pharmacological options for many patients. These findings are also expected to influence clinical trial designs going forward.
In response, the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative has announced clinical trials of psilocybin for anorexia nervosa in collaboration with the Inside Out Institute. These trials aim to evaluate safety and efficacy in controlled settings, building on the survey’s results. Related research includes trials using intravenous psilocin for binge-eating disorder treatment.
Significance
This is the largest investigation to date into self-medicated substance use among individuals with eating disorders. It provides strong real-world evidence that some people perceive cannabis and psychedelics as more effective for their core symptoms than traditional medications. While anecdotal and self-reported, these findings underline the urgent need for rigorous clinical trials to explore therapeutic benefits and safety in medically controlled environments. 
