Classic psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin and ayahuasca could be effective as a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to two recently published studies.
In the first open-label study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, researchers at the University of Copenhagen and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that a single dose of psilocybin alongside therapy was effective at reducing alcohol consumption in participants. Ten adults with AUD were given a 25mg dose of psilocybin alongside a series of therapeutic sessions. Drinking habits were monitored for 12 weeks following the psilocybin administration, with a notable reduction in alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking days were reduced by 37.5 percentage points, and drinks per day decreased by 3.4 units. Participants also reported rapid and sustained reductions in cravings for alcohol following their treatment.
In the second study, published in the journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, researchers analysed a number of already published papers exploring the potential of psychedelics for AUD treatment. The review, conducted by researchers at the University of Southern Santa Catarina in Brazil found that psychedelics “demonstrated potential for treating drug addiction, especially AUD, mostly by modulating neuroplasticity in the brain.”
“Given that serotonergic psychedelics do not produce physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms with repeated use, they may be considered promising treatment options for managing drug use disorders,” the second study said.
According to the charity Alcohol Change, there are an estimated 602,391 dependent drinkers in the UK. yet only 18% are receiving treatment. A 2023 parliamentary review found that alcohol costs the NHS an estimated £3.5 billion per year in England and costs an estimated £21 billion per year to society. A record 10,048 people in 2022 died from alcohol-specific causes – the highest level since records began in 2001.
This story first appeared on leafie, view here
Author: Liam O’Dowd
