Impact of psychedelics on craving in addiction: A systematic review.
Sophie-Athéna Chapron, Guilhem Bonazzi, Laura Di Lodovico, Julia De Ternay, Camille Landmann, Mikail Nourredine, Francesco Salvo, Ben Sessa, Ravi Das, Benjamin Rolland, Albert Garcia‐romeu, Marc Auriacombe
Journal of Psychopharmacology February 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241308613 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,639 |
| Population | Humans with alcohol, opioid, cocaine, or tobacco use disorders |
| Topics | Addiction |
| Keywords | Psychedelics Craving Hallucinogens Systematic review Use disorder |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Twelve of 31 studies reported a significant decrease in craving scores following psychedelic use, but high risk of bias in most studies warrants caution. |
Abstract
In the context of the need to increase treatment options for substance use disorders, recent research has evaluated the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. However, there is an incomplete understanding of psychedelics' effects on craving, a core symptom of addictive disorders and a predictor of substance use and relapse. To determine if the use of psychedelics is associated with changes in craving in humans. A systematic review of the literature, using PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases up to May 2023. We included all studies assessing any substance craving levels after psychedelic use (protocol registration number CRD42021242856). Thirty-eight published articles were included, corresponding to 31 studies and 2639 participants, pertaining either to alcohol, opioid, cocaine, or tobacco use disorders. Twelve of the 31 included studies reported a significant decrease in craving scores following psychedelic use. All but two studies had methodological issues, leading to moderate to high risk of bias scores. Some psychedelics may show promising anti-craving effects, yet the diversity and high risk of bias of extant studies indicate that these results are to be considered with caution. Further well-controlled and larger-scale trials should be encouraged.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketamine use: a review Ketamine users | 2011 | Systematic review | |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review Individuals with substance use disorders | 2009 | Systematic review | |
| Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Substance and Behavioral Addictions: A Systematic Review | 2018 | Systematic review | |
| Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review | 2021 | Systematic review | |
| Therapeutic Use of LSD in Psychiatry: A Systematic Review of Randomized-Controlled Clinical Trials Patients with psychiatric disorders, primarily alcoholism | 2020 | Systematic review | n = 567 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Set and setting of psychedelics for therapeutic use in psychiatry: A systematic review Journal of Psychopharmacology May 12, 2025
- Psychedelic research - Going global. Journal of Psychopharmacology December 1, 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
- Psychedelics for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders SUCHT - Zeitschrift für Wissenschaft und Praxis / Journal of Addiction Research and Practice December 1, 2025
Cites 60
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- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Journal of Psychopharmacology September 11, 2014
- Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder JAMA Psychiatry August 24, 2022
and 55 more in the library