Pharmaceutical Science
October 13, 2025
Berta Fumàs, David Pubill, Raúl López‐arnau et al.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic, relapsing mental health condition characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. According to the World Health Organization, in 2021, approximately 39.5 million individuals worldwide suffered from drug use disorders, contributing to an estimated 600,000 deaths annually. Moreover, current pharmacological treatment, such as...
Psychedelic Medicine
October 8, 2025
Pim B. van der Meer, Nout Schukking, Miranda G. Dik et al.
Background: Psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin have shown a beneficial effect on substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms. In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of psychoactive tryptamines in patients with an SUD or non-substance-related disorder (i.e., gambling disorder) in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the available...
British Journal of Pharmacology
September 2, 2025
Lucas M Wittenkeller, Gary A. Gudelsky, Theresa Winhusen et al.
3 citations
Abstract Psychedelics have garnered great attention in recent years as treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment‐resistant depression because of their ability to alter consciousness and afflicted cognitive processes with lasting effects. We aimed to characterise how psychedelics are currently being investigated to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). Additionally, we aimed...
Addiction
July 24, 2025
Amandine Luquiens, Dahbia Belahda, Carine Graux et al.
22 citations
Abstract Background and Aims Psilocybin has emerged as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), but early efficacy data are inconsistent. Depression following alcohol detoxification significantly increases the risk of relapse. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy for patients with comorbid...
Current microbiology
July 15, 2025
Gokul Sudhakaran, Shreya Chakraborty, Ashok Kumar et al.
2 citations
Psilocybe species, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", are a group of hallucinogenic fungi known for their psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and norbaeocystin. These species have been the focus of scientific study due to their potential therapeutic applications, despite their classification as controlled substances in many jurisdictions. This review aims to...
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
July 12, 2025
Wolfgang H. Sommer, Rainer Spanagel
Over a decade after the first edition of "Behavioral Neurobiology of Alcohol Addiction," this chapter revisits the field at a critical juncture, marked by both persistent challenges and emerging opportunities. We reflect on the translational gap that has stalled the development of new treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD), despite decades of promising preclinical findings. Particular...
Journal of Psychopharmacology
July 11, 2025
Diana Glenn, Seung Hee Choi, Rick S. Zimmerman
1 citation
Background: Classic serotonergic psychedelics are 5-HT2A partial agonists that induce non-ordinary states of consciousness. Many have demonstrated anti-addictive properties; however, their impact on smoking behaviors remains under-researched. This review provides a synthesis of the therapeutic potential of these compounds in promoting smoking cessation and reduction. Methods: A systematic...
Preprints.org
June 19, 2025
Danial Daroui, Andrea Mastrostefano, Flavio Davini et al.
1 citation
preprint
Background: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic pathological condition with significant burdens throughout the world. Despite the effectiveness of the current pharmacological treatments, the ongoing issues with AUD and the high relapse rates necessitate the exploration of innovative therapies, including the use of psychedelic drugs, which have shown promising initial results. The purpose of...
June 10, 2025
Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Petros Petridis, Richard J. Zeifman et al.
1 citation
preprint
A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (NCT02061293) found that psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly improved drinking outcomes compared to an active placebo in adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this secondary analysis, we assessed whether psilocybin-assisted therapy improved self-compassion and whether these changes predicted drinking...
Psychiatry Research
June 1, 2025
Jeremy Weleff, Alejandra Pulido-Saavedra, Ardavan Mohammad Aghaei et al.
4 citations
Opioid-related overdose deaths have reached record high levels, and novel treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed. The three United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for OUD function primarily at the mu-opioid receptor. While these remain the gold-standard treatment for OUD, they have shortcomings and treatment options separate from the opioid receptor...