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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Rachel Hall

SHOCKING: Drugs and alcohol do not make you more creative research finds | Mind Blowing Facts

Writer Hunter S Thompson liked some cocaine, whisky and acid before settling down to work
Writer Hunter S Thompson liked some cocaine, whisky and acid before settling down to work. Photograph: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

From Hunter S Thompson’s infamous daily pre-writing routine of cocaine, Chivas Regal and acid to Vincent Van Gogh’s love for absinthe and Andy Warhol’s prescription drugs habit, the idea that drugs and alcohol produce great art is deeply culturally ingrained.

Yet researchers have found this is likely to be myth – many drugs, including alcohol, amphetamines and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), do not inspire creativity. Instead, they say travel, exposure to culture, meditation and training programmes are more effective.

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