Impact of psychedelics on craving in addiction: A systematic review.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – February 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelics may significantly reduce cravings in individuals with substance use disorders, as shown in 31 studies involving 2,639 participants. Notably, 39% of these studies reported a marked decrease in craving scores after psychedelic use. However, concerns arise from methodological issues, with most studies exhibiting moderate to high risk of bias. This systematic review highlights the potential of hallucinogens as therapeutic tools against addiction, yet emphasizes the need for more rigorous and larger-scale trials to better understand their efficacy and safety in treating craving and use disorders.
Abstract
In the context of the need to increase treatment options for substance use disorders, recent research has evaluated the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. However, there is an incomplete understanding of psychedelics' effects on craving, a core symptom of addictive disorders and a predictor of substance use and relapse. To determine if the use of psychedelics is associated with changes in craving in humans. A systematic review of the literature, using PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases up to May 2023. We included all studies assessing any substance craving levels after psychedelic use (protocol registration number CRD42021242856). Thirty-eight published articles were included, corresponding to 31 studies and 2639 participants, pertaining either to alcohol, opioid, cocaine, or tobacco use disorders. Twelve of the 31 included studies reported a significant decrease in craving scores following psychedelic use. All but two studies had methodological issues, leading to moderate to high risk of bias scores. Some psychedelics may show promising anti-craving effects, yet the diversity and high risk of bias of extant studies indicate that these results are to be considered with caution. Further well-controlled and larger-scale trials should be encouraged.