Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcoholism: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Teri Suzanne Krebs, Pål-ørjan Johansen
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 8, 2012 DOI: 10.1177/0269881112439253 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 536 |
| Population | Participants in randomized controlled trials of LSD for alcoholism |
| Intervention | LSD |
| Dose | single dose |
| Topics | LSD |
| Keywords | Randomized controlled trial Context archaeology Meta-analysis Clinical trial Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 580 |
| Key findings | A single dose of LSD, in the context of various alcoholism treatment programs, is associated with a decrease in alcohol misuse. |
Abstract
Assessments of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in the treatment of alcoholism have not been based on quantitative meta-analysis. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in order to evaluate the clinical efficacy of LSD in the treatment of alcoholism. Two reviewers independently extracted the data, pooling the effects using odds ratios (ORs) by a generic inverse variance, random effects model. We identified six eligible trials, including 536 participants. There was evidence for a beneficial effect of LSD on alcohol misuse (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.36–2.84; p = 0.0003). Between-trial heterogeneity for the treatment effects was negligible (I 2 = 0%). Secondary outcomes, risk of bias and limitations are discussed. A single dose of LSD, in the context of various alcoholism treatment programs, is associated with a decrease in alcohol misuse.