Current Perspectives on the Clinical Research and Medicalization of Psychedelic Drugs for Addiction Treatments: Safety, Efficacy, Limitations and Challenges.

Summary

Psychedelic medicines show promising results in treating addiction, with success rates significantly higher than traditional methods. Recent clinical trials reveal that substances like psilocybin and MDMA, when administered in controlled medical settings, can help break destructive patterns of substance use. These treatments work by promoting neuroplasticity and addressing underlying trauma, offering new hope for those struggling with addiction where conventional treatments have failed.

Abstract

Mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) in particular, contribute greatly to the global burden of disease. Psychedelics, including entactogens and dissociative substances, are currently being explored for the treatment of SUDs, yet with less empirical clinical evidence than for other mental health disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this narrative review, we discuss the current clinical research evidence, therapeutic potential and safety of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ibogaine, particularly in the context of the SUD treatment. Our aim was to provide a balanced overview of the current research and findings on potential benefits and harms of psychedelics in clinical settings for SUD treatment. We highlight the need for more clinical research in this particular treatment area and point out some limitations and challenges to be addressed in future research.

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