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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.

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Comparable studies

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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

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