Yitong
Xin, Ph.D.
I’m an Assistant Professor at the College of Social Work, University of Utah, where I combine research, teaching, and mentorship to advance knowledge in mental health and substance use treatment.
I study how psychedelics and other psychoactive substances relate to recovery from trauma and substance use. My work includes psychedelic use in ceremonial and clinical settings (e.g., ayahuasca, psilocybin, ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT), cannabis use, and harm reduction, with a focus on veterans and underserved populations.
Research/Teaching Interests:
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Substance Use and Addiction
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Ayahuasca and Naturalistic Psychedelic Use
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Psychedelic-Assisted Interventions
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Cannabis Use
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Harm Reduction
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Trauma, Resilience, and Behavioral Health
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Veterans and Underserved Populations
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Mixed-Methods and Longitudinal Research
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Publications
Our publications examine psychedelic use, substance use, and recovery, with a focus on ayahuasca, veterans, and cannabis.
Selected first-author papers are listed below, and the full list is on the "Publications" page.
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Xin, Y., Davis, A., Yoon, S., & Lee, M. Y. (2026). Baseline resilience as a predictor of ayahuasca acute effects and moderator of the relationship between acute effects and psychospiritual outcomes. Psychedelic Medicine.
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Xin, Y., Griffiths, R. R., & Davis, A. K. (2025). Sex differences in religious beliefs before and after an entity encounter during an ayahuasca experience. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
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Xin, Y., Armstrong, S. B., Averill, L. A., Sepeda, N., & Davis, A. K. (2023). Predictors of psychedelic treatment outcomes among Special Operations Forces veterans. Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice.
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Xin, Y., Arterberry, B. J., & Davis, A. K. (2025). Multivariate associations between passion, coping motives, and substance use outcomes in college students engaging in simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions.
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Xin, Y., España, M., & Davis, A. K. (2023). The acceptability of non-abstinent treatment goals among clinical social workers in the United States. Journal of Social Work Practice.
Lab Members & Culture
Welcome to the Psychedelic Drug Research and Interventions for Mental Empowerment (PRIME) Lab! 🦋
At PRIME, we study the therapeutic potential and the risks of psychedelics and other psychoactive substances. We value rigorous science, clear communication, and mutual support, and we train students to become careful and independent researchers.🌱
Spotlight
Celebrating the achievements of our PRIME Lab members and alumni! 🌟 From milestones within the lab to accomplishments beyond it, each spotlight captures the growth, dedication, and impact of our PRIME Lab community.
Join us in recognizing their contributions and stay tuned for inspiring stories that showcase the talent and commitment of our incredible community!
- Proud moments from the PRIME Lab
