Robert M Swift

Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.

2 papers in the library · 6 citations · publishing 2024-2025

Papers

Psychedelics for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Narrative Review with Candidate Mechanisms of Action.

CNS drugs July 10, 2025 Eric A Miller, Christy Capone, Erica Eaton et al. 4 citations

Psychedelics have been investigated as a treatment for alcohol use disorder since the 1950s, with over a dozen clinical trials of LSD and recent trials of psilocybin and ayahuasca. Observational studies consistently show promising results, but placebo-controlled trials have produced inconsistent outcomes and methodologies. This review characterizes foundational studies, emphasizing key design factors such as the presence of a placebo (e.g., ephedrine, dextroamphetamine, diphenhydramine, or low-dose LSD) and non-pharmacological factors like treatment setting and psychotherapy. It also examines candidate mechanisms of action through a biopsychosocial lens, spanning cellular neuroplasticity, cognitive neuroscience, subjective experience, and social connection, highlighting findings on efficacy and potential mechanisms to guide future research.

DOI: 10.1007/s40263-025-01199-z Full text Alcohol use disorder Psychedelics Hallucinogens Entheogens +16

Design and methodology of the first open-label trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder: Considerations for a randomized controlled trial.

Contemporary clinical trials communications October 1, 2024 Erica Eaton, Christy Capone, Brian J Gully et al. 2 citations

Posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder frequently co-occur and lead to more severe symptoms, higher suicide risk, and poorer treatment outcomes. MDMA-assisted therapy shows promise; the FDA designated it a Breakthrough Therapy for PTSD based on six Phase 2 trials. This manuscript describes the design of the first open-label trial of MDMA-AT for military veterans with both PTSD and AUD, enrolling 12 participants. The study includes neuroimaging and biomarker measures to assess brain changes and neuroinflammation before and after treatment. The authors detail the complex clinical and regulatory processes involved in setting up the trial, aiming to establish standardized protocols and outcomes for future FDA approval.

DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101333 Full text Alcohol use disorder MDMA Posttraumatic stress disorder Psychedelic assisted therapy +7