Psychedelics: From Cave Art to 21st-Century Medicine for Addiction
Ioanna A. Vamvakopoulou, David Nutt
European Addiction Research September 25, 2024 DOI: 10.1159/000540062 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction LSD MDMA Mescaline Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | Classic and atypical psychedelics show promise as therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of addiction. |
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic substance use in ritualistic and ceremonial settings dates back as early as 8,500 BCE. Only in recent years, from the mid-20th century, we have seen the re-emergence of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting and more specifically for the treatment of addiction. This article aims to review research over the past 40 years using classic (psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], dimethyltryptamine [DMT], mescaline) and atypical (ketamine, ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) psychedelics for the treatment of addiction. Summary: We will start with an overview of the pharmacology and physiological and psychological properties of psychedelic substances from pre-clinical and clinical research. We will then provide an overview of evidence gathered by studies conducted in controlled research environments and naturalistic and ceremonial settings, while we identify the proposed therapeutic mechanisms of each psychedelic substance. Key Messages: Classic and atypical psychedelics show promise as therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of addiction, through the improvement of psychological and physiological symptoms of dependence. A more comprehensive understanding of the ancient and present-day knowledge of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics can facilitate hope for psychedelic therapeutics in the treatment of addiction, especially for individuals who have failed other conventional treatment methods.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on LSD for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine | 2017 | Review | |
| The Past and Future of Psychedelic Science: An Introduction to This Issue | 2019 | Review | |
| Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychedelics: Alternative and Potential Therapeutic Options for Treating Mood and Anxiety Disorders | 2022 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- The psychedelic-peptide paradox: a hormetic hypothesis. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology June 2, 2025
- Is there a place for psychedelics in sports practice? Acta Neuropsychiatrica 2025
- Integrating psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy into addiction care in the Czech Republic: Clinical evidence, safety, and regulatory developments Journal of Psychedelic Studies June 12, 2026
- Exploring new avenues: Psychedelic-assisted therapy for young people. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology May 8, 2026
- Psychedelics and Mental Health in Endurance Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 20, 2026
and 8 more in the library
Cites 68
- The dissociative anaesthetics, ketamine and phencyclidine, selectively reduce excitation of central mammalian neurones by N‐methyl‐aspartate British Journal of Pharmacology June 1, 1983
- Ketamine and Ketamine Metabolite Pharmacology: Insights into Therapeutic Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews June 26, 2018
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Journal of Psychopharmacology September 11, 2014
- Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-facilitated smoking cessation The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse July 21, 2016
and 63 more in the library