Psychedelics as an emerging novel intervention in the treatment of substance use disorder: a review
Alec J. DiVito, Robert F. Leger
Molecular Biology Reports December 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06009-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction |
| Keywords | Smoking cessation Psychedelics Serotonergic hallucinogen |
| Key findings | Psychedelic agents may provide a novel avenue for the clinical treatment of substance use disorders, alcohol use disorder, and smoking cessation, with one or two doses showing remarkable and enduring positive outcomes. |
Abstract
Classical psychedelics are a group of drugs characterized by their activation of the serotonin-2A (5-hydroxytryptamine-2A; 5-HT2A) receptor and the unique hallucinogenic and mystical-type experiences that result. After a substantial period of restrictions limiting investigations into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, a relatively recent recommencement of interest has sparked the burgeoning possibility for these drugs to play a part in the treatment of a wide array of psychopathologies. One of the most promising is in the study of addiction. Evidence has emerged that psychedelic agents may provide a novel avenue for the clinical treatment of patients dealing with substance use disorders (SUD). These serotonergic hallucinogens have displayed remarkable and enduring positive outcomes in this area, even when administered as one or two doses. The neural targets for these psychedelics are varied and underlie a complex mechanism of action—modulating multiple neural networks. It is believed that these agents allow for the reorganization of disordered neural pathways in the default mode network and attenuate maladaptive signaling in mesolimbic reward circuitry. The aim of this review is to examine the current standing of evidence regarding psychedelic psychopharmacology and to provide an overview of the use and effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of SUD, alcohol use disorder, and for smoking cessation.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on 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 | |
| Mindfulness meditation–based pain relief: a mechanistic account | 2016 | Review | |
| Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents Animal models and cellular studies | 2018 | Review | |
| A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. | 2013 | Review | |
| The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 59
- Psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders February 1, 2023
- Psychedelic perceptions: mental health service user attitudes to psilocybin therapy Irish Journal of Medical Science June 15, 2021
- The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Current Neuropharmacology January 5, 2024
- Psychedelic Therapy's Transdiagnostic Effects: A Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Perspective Frontiers in Psychiatry December 17, 2021
- Classic and non‐classic psychedelics for substance use disorder: A review of their historic, past and current research Addiction Neuroscience June 22, 2022
and 54 more in the library
Cites 52
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
- Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Journal of Psychopharmacology September 11, 2014
and 47 more in the library