A Controlled Comparison of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and Dextroamphetamine in Alcoholics

Summary

LSD showed promising early results in treating 72 alcoholic patients, outperforming dextroamphetamine. However, after six months, both treatments yielded similar outcomes. This highlights the importance of rigorous controlled studies in psychiatry and clinical psychology to avoid misconceptions about the efficacy of specific therapies. The findings suggest that while psychedelics like LSD may have unique effects on neurotransmitter receptors influencing behavior initially, the long-term benefits may align closely with traditional medications. Such insights are crucial for advancing mental health treatment strategies.

Abstract

Seventy-two alcoholic patients were admitted to a controlled comparison of LSD and dextroamphetamine as treatments. In the context of little associated psychotherapeutic intervention, LSD produced slightly better results early, but after six months the results were alike for both treatment groups. Controlled studies of such treatments are not only possible but mandatory, the authors conclude, if one is not to be misled into ascribing special therapeutic attributes to a specific treatment.

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