Substance use disorder (SUD) affects millions globally, often impairing brain reward circuits and personal life. Treatments face challenges like limited availability and poor patient retention. A non-systematic review of studies published through December 2021 examined classic (LSD, DMT, psilocybin, mescaline) and non-classic (ibogaine, ketamine, MDMA, salvinorin A, THC) psychedelics for SUD. Results are inconclusive for LSD, DMT, mescaline, MDMA, and salvinorin A. Moderate evidence supports psilocybin and ketamine for alcohol use disorder, ketamine for opiate and alcohol withdrawal, and THC preparations for reducing withdrawal in cannabis and possibly opioid use disorder. Psychedelics appear more effective as adjunct therapy. More research is needed.
A scoping review categorized psychosocial protocols used in psychedelic research for mental health treatment. Seven categories were defined, reflecting distinct emphases on the substance, participant, research team, and sociocultural context. Although limited reporting and heterogeneity remain methodological challenges, the proposed parameters suggest a shared language to describe, compare, and examine psychosocial protocols across studies, reducing conceptual uncertainty. The review may facilitate research decision-making and support structured, replicable study designs while allowing flexibility for individualized and culturally responsive care. Explicitly defining the intended purpose of psychosocial protocols could improve transparent reporting and evaluation.