Mini-review: The neurobiology of treating substance use disorders with classical psychedelics
Frontiers in Neuroscience – April 17, 2023
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Since the 1960s, psychedelics have shown persistent potential for treating substance use disorders. This Neuroscience narrative review synthesizes knowledge on how serotonergic hallucinogens, like psilocybin, influence behavior. Molecular neuroscience reveals they induce neuroplasticity and alter gene expression, impacting neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. While Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies explore this, the precise biochemical mechanisms countering addiction's neuronal changes remain largely unknown. Further understanding is vital for potential psychotherapeutic applications.
Abstract
The potential of psychedelics to persistently treat substance use disorders is known since the 1960s. However, the biological mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic effects have not yet been fully elucidated. While it is known that serotonergic hallucinogens induce changes in gene expression and neuroplasticity, particularly in prefrontal regions, theories on how specifically this counteracts the alterations that occur in neuronal circuitry throughout the course of addiction are largely unknown. This narrative mini-review endeavors to synthesize well-established knowledge from addiction research with findings and theories regarding the neurobiological effects of psychedelics to give an overview of the potential mechanisms that underlie the treatment of substance use disorders with classical hallucinogenic compounds and point out gaps in the current understanding.