LSD in Chronic Alcoholism
Canadian Psychiatric Association Journal – June 01, 1964
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A striking 38% of chronic alcoholics treated with LSD since 1959 achieved sobriety during follow-up. Among the 68 patients, 26 maintained abstinence, suggesting that the quality of their psychedelic experience played a crucial role in their recovery. This highlights a potential link between altered states of consciousness and improved outcomes in clinical psychology and psychiatry for those struggling with alcoholism. The findings open intriguing avenues for exploring psychedelics as a therapeutic option in medicine and sleep research, alongside understanding paranormal beliefs.
Abstract
Since 1959, 68 alcoholics have been treated with LSD. Twenty-six patients reported sobriety in the follow-up period. The nature of the experience appeared to bear an independent relationship to abstinence.