Epigenetic drugs and psychedelics as emerging therapies for alcohol use disorder: insights from preclinical studies.
Fahd François Hilal, Jérôme Jeanblanc, Chloé Deschamps, Mickaël Naassïla, Olivier Pierrefiche, Sami Ben Hamida
Journal of Neural Transmission May 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02757-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Animal models |
| Topics | Addiction Neuroplasticity Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Animal models Epidrugs Psychedelics |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key findings | Psychedelics and epidrugs may share common and complementary mechanisms of action, offering an opportunity for exploring synergies in treating alcohol use disorder. |
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide leading to physical, mental and socio-economic consequences. While current treatments for AUD have provided relief to individuals, their effectiveness on the long term is often limited, leaving a number of affected individuals without sustainable solutions. In this review, we aim to explore two emerging approaches for AUD: psychedelics and epigenetic drugs (i.e., epidrugs). By examining preclinical studies, different animal species and procedures, we delve into the potential benefits of each of these treatments in terms of addictive behaviors (alcohol drinking and seeking, motivation to drink alcohol and prevention of relapse). Because psychedelics and epidrugs may share common and complementary mechanisms of action, there is an exciting opportunity for exploring synergies between these approaches and their parallel effectiveness in treating AUD and the diverse associated psychiatric conditions.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on 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 | |
| Mindfulness meditation–based pain relief: a mechanistic account | 2016 | Review | |
| Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents Animal models and cellular studies | 2018 | Review | |
| A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. | 2013 | Review | |
| The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Psilocybin reduces alcohol self-administration via selective left nucleus accumbens activation in rats Brain May 4, 2024
- Ayahuasca for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. International review of neurobiology 2024
- Effects of psychedelics on opioid use disorder: a scoping review of preclinical studies. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences January 21, 2025
- Epigenome-wide association study of psilocybin-induced methylome changes in alcohol use disorder. Translational Psychiatry May 26, 2026
- Epigenetic landscapes of classical psychedelics and ketamine: molecular mechanisms of long-lasting neuromodulation Molecular Psychiatry July 10, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 128
- The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics Pharmacological Reviews June 20, 2019
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- 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 123 more in the library