The Content, Consistency and Accuracy of Stereotypes About Recreational Users of Various Psychoactive Substances

We investigated the content, consistency and accuracy (i.e., convergence with self-assessment) of stereotypes about recreational users of common psychoactive substances. In Study 1 (N = 470), participants rated a typical occasional user of one of seven substances (cannabis, MDMA, heroin, LSD, cocaine, amphetamine and alcohol) on personality traits, values and other attributes. Results revealed distinct and highly consistent stereotypes across substances. Study 2 (N = 1163) assessed stereotype accuracy by comparing them to self-reports from an international sample of substance users. Accuracy (based on overall and distinctive similarity) was generally low, with cocaine user stereotypes revealing the highest accuracy. Modest accuracy was also found for MDMA, amphetamine and heroin. These findings highlight the prevalence of consistent yet largely inaccurate stereotypes about recreational substance users in society. The discrepancy between stereotype agreement and accuracy is discussed in the context of the origins of these stereotypes.