Psychedelics are reemerging as potential treatments for substance use disorders (SUDs), including alcohol and opioid use disorders. Early mid-20th century anecdotal reports and pilot studies suggested these compounds could be effective, but legal restrictions and stigma halted research. With rising rates of SUDs and other mental health conditions, researchers are again investigating psychedelics for their unique pharmacological targets and holistic treatment potential. This review examines emerging evidence for treating SUDs with psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and peyote.
Psychedelics are being reconsidered as treatments for substance use disorders (SUDs) such as alcohol and opioid use disorders, following early 20th-century anecdotal reports and pilot studies that suggested their potential. Legal restrictions and stigma had halted research, but rising rates of SUDs have renewed interest in these compounds. This review examines emerging evidence for psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and peyote in treating SUDs, focusing on novel pharmacological targets and holistic approaches to improve adherence and efficacy.