The tripping point: The potential role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the response to the opioid crisis
Elena Argento, Kenneth W. Tupper, M. Eugenia Socias
International Journal of Drug Policy February 10, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.11.006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Viewpoint or perspective paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Fentanyl Psychological intervention Pharmacotherapy Opioid epidemic Intensive care medicine Pharmacology |
| Citations | 17 |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelic-assisted therapy has potential as an alternative treatment for refractory substance use disorders and should be researched further within a multifaceted response to the opioid crisis. |
Abstract
The increasing contamination of the drug supply with illicitly manufactured fentanyl and related analogs in North America has resulted in the most severe drug-overdose crisis in history. Available pharmacotherapy options for the treatment of opioid use disorder have had limited success in curbing the current crisis, and a growing body of evidence highlights the need for innovative interventions that target underlying social-structural drivers of opioid use disorder. Re-emerging clinical research suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy has potential as an alternative treatment for refractory substance use disorders and related comorbidities. Based on the available evidence, our viewpoint supports advancing research on the potential role of psychedelic-assisted therapy within a multifaceted response to the opioid crisis.