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.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
-
State of the evidence: LSD Supports
A single dose of LSD within alcoholism treatment programs was associated with reduced alcohol misuse (OR 1.96), with negligible between-trial heterogeneity.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on LSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 438
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- 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
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology November 8, 2017
and 433 more in the library
Cites 19
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Acute, subacute and long-term subjective effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a pooled analysis of experimental studies Journal of Psychopharmacology September 20, 2010
- The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics November 11, 2008
and 14 more in the library