The American journal on addictions
November 1, 2023
Amanda Kim, Joji Suzuki
15 citations
Addiction specialists mostly view psychedelics positively for treating mental health and substance use disorders, though a notable minority worry about their addictive potential. An anonymous online survey of 145 addiction specialists assessed their opinions on therapeutic promise, risks, and legalization of psychedelics, including both classic serotonergic drugs and nonserotonergic ones like ketamine and MDMA. Familiarity with psychedelic research was the strongest predictor of positive views, while concern about addiction was the strongest negative predictor. Overall attitudes were more favorable than the authors hypothesized, possibly due to recent research acceleration. The findings highlight the need for better physician education on psychedelics' risks and benefits.
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
February 2, 2021
Benjamin Stewart, Jon G. Dean, Adriana Koek et al.
15 citations
Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are common, disabling neuropsychiatric conditions with limited treatment options. They present with sensory or motor symptoms that mimic other neurological conditions but arise from mechanisms other than identifiable structural neuropathology, often triggered by psychological factors. Preliminary evidence supports psychedelic-assisted therapy for several psychiatric illnesses, including FNDs. This review examines theoretical arguments for and against exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy for FNDs, discusses prior cases of psychedelic use for psychosomatic conditions, and analyzes therapeutic outcomes through recent neuroimaging studies on psychedelics and FNDs.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
March 1, 2026
Veronica Szpak, Samuel Maddams, Amanda Kim et al.
Adults with opioid use disorder who have survived injection-related infections generally support psychedelic-assisted therapy as a treatment for substance use disorders, but they also express concerns. In interviews with 17 participants, common supportive themes included that hospitalization helped them recognize the severity of their disorder, that psychedelic-assisted therapy could foster insight and openness to recovery, and that professional monitoring during sessions was reassuring. Participants also valued addressing underlying mental health issues and the role of spirituality. Concerns centered on the possibility of a "bad trip," adverse effects, relapse risk, and misuse of psychedelics. Further research is needed, especially when standard medications have failed.