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Psychedelic therapy as a complementary treatment approach for alcohol use disorders

Peter Eischens, William Leigh Atherton

Journal of Psychedelic Studies May 30, 2018 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2018.005 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Topics Addiction Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Key findings The authors argue that psychedelic substances may serve as a safe and clinically effective complementary approach to treating alcohol use disorders, addressing affective, cognitive, social, legal, and spiritual dimensions. They contend that traditional AUD interventions have yielded mixed outcomes and that rising global AUD rates justify exploring novel treatments.

Abstract

Background: Traditional treatment interventions for alcohol use disorders (AUD) have produced mixed outcomes and the global increase in AUDs demands novel and innovative approaches to addiction treatment.Psychedelic substances have been reintroduced into the Western medical community as a potential intervention to complement the treatment of AUDs.Objectives: This paper will discuss the implications of using psychedelic substances as a complementary approach within the treatment of AUDs.Methods: A thorough review of pertinent research focused on the use of psychedelics in relation to the affective, cognitive, social, legal, and spiritual issues commonly associated with AUDs.Results: Research suggests the clinical efficacy and safety of psychedelic therapy as a complementary treatment for AUDs.Conclusion: Future directions and implications to AUD treatment are provided.

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