Mini-review: The neurobiology of treating substance use disorders with classical psychedelics
Marvin M. Urban, Moritz R. Stingl, Marcus W. Meinhardt
Frontiers in Neuroscience April 17, 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1156319 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Neuroplasticity Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Narrative review Substance use Molecular neuroscience Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 47 |
| Key findings | The biological mechanisms by which serotonergic hallucinogens counteract addiction-related neuronal changes are largely unknown, though they involve altered gene expression and neuroplasticity in prefrontal regions. |
Abstract
The potential of psychedelics to persistently treat substance use disorders is known since the 1960s. However, the biological mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic effects have not yet been fully elucidated. While it is known that serotonergic hallucinogens induce changes in gene expression and neuroplasticity, particularly in prefrontal regions, theories on how specifically this counteracts the alterations that occur in neuronal circuitry throughout the course of addiction are largely unknown. This narrative mini-review endeavors to synthesize well-established knowledge from addiction research with findings and theories regarding the neurobiological effects of psychedelics to give an overview of the potential mechanisms that underlie the treatment of substance use disorders with classical hallucinogenic compounds and point out gaps in the current understanding.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin for 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 | |
| Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents Animal models and cellular studies | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine | 2017 | Review | |
| DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Psilocybin | 2018 | Review | |
| Psilocybin for treating substance use disorders? | 2016 | Narrative review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 20
- Methyl transfer in psilocybin biosynthesis Nature Communications March 28, 2024
- The ego in psychedelic drug action – ego defenses, ego boundaries, and the therapeutic role of regression Frontiers in Neuroscience October 6, 2023
- Psychedelics: A review of their effects on recalled aversive memories and fear/anxiety expression in rodents Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews September 20, 2024
- Current Perspectives on the Clinical Research and Medicalization of Psychedelic Drugs for Addiction Treatments: Safety, Efficacy, Limitations and Challenges. CNS Drugs October 1, 2024
- Early psilocybin intervention alleviates behavioral despair and cognitive impairment in stressed Wistar rats Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 2025
and 15 more in the library
Cites 52
- 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
- Classic psychedelic use is associated with reduced psychological distress and suicidality in the United States adult population. Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2015
- Emotions and brain function are altered up to one month after a single high dose of psilocybin. Scientific Reports February 10, 2020
- Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics November 4, 2016
and 47 more in the library