A Comparison of Short-Term Treatment Effects of Intravenous Sodium Amytal-Methedrine and LSD in the Alcoholic

Abstract

Lysergic acid diethylamide (L.S.D.), given with and without a therapist present, is compared with sodium amylobarbitone-methedrine (S.A.M.), given with á therapist present, as abreactive agents in the treatment of alcoholism. Somatic, cognitive and affective experiences under the different treatment conditions are compared. L.S.D. produced a different quality of response from S.A.M. in many respects, but approximately half the patients in all categories noted a pronounced reduction of tension and depression following the experience. This short-term effect is contrasted with long-term (one year) absence of a significantly greater improvement rate with these drugs than with routine clinic treatment. The significance of these findings is discussed.