Psychedelic Therapy Utilizing LSD in the Treatment of the Alcoholic Patient: A Preliminary Report
Albert A. Kurland, Sanford M. Unger, John W. Shaffer, Charles Savage
American Journal of Psychiatry April 1, 1967 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.123.10.1202 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 69 |
| Population | Alcoholic patients |
| Topics | LSD Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychotherapist Rehabilitation Alienation Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 56 |
| Key points | Psychedelic therapy adds significantly to presently available alcoholic rehabilitation resources. |
Abstract
The rationale of psychedelic therapy with alcoholic patients is focused on the alienation-breaking potential of "peak" or psychedelic experiences induced with the aid of LSD. An exemplary LSD session report and MMPI data on 69 pilot patients are presented for illustration. While all present results indicate that psychedelic therapy does add significantly to presently available alcoholic rehabilitation resources, it is emphasized that safe and effective use of LSD requires specialized training.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Reported that LSD psychedelic therapy adds significantly to available alcoholic rehabilitation resources, while emphasizing the need for specialized training.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on LSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The paradoxical psychological effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Healthy volunteers | 2016 | Within-subjects controlled trial | n = 20 |
| Study of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide as an Analgesic Agent Hospital patients | 1964 | Clinical trial | n = 50 |
| Localization of serotonin 5‐HT2 receptors in living human brain by positron emission tomography using N1‐([11C]‐methyl)‐2‐BR‐LSD Normal human volunteers | 1987 | Clinical trial | n = 7 |
| LSD-induced hallucinogen persisting perception disorder treatment with clonidine: an open pilot study Patients with LSD-induced hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) | 2000 | Open-label pilot study | n = 8 |
| DOET(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Ethylamphetamine), a New Psychotropic Drug Normal male subjects | 1971 | Controlled trial |
Citations in the library
Cited by 31
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use Journal of Psychopharmacology May 14, 2019
- Peak experiences and the afterglow phenomenon: When and how do therapeutic effects of hallucinogens depend on psychedelic experiences? Journal of Psychopharmacology February 9, 2015
- The Experimental Use of Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy JAMA June 15, 1970
- Serotonergic hallucinogens in the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients suffering from a life-threatening disease: A systematic review. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry February 2, 2018
and 26 more in the library