Mescaline's pharmacological mechanisms resemble those of other classical psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD. Consumption appears safe, with most intoxications being mild and easily treatable. The substance may offer clinical benefits, including improvements in mental well-being and potential to help overcome alcoholism. This article is part of a special issue on psilocybin research.
Classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, DMT, mescaline) and atypical ones (ketamine, ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, MDMA) show promise as therapeutic alternatives for addiction, improving psychological and physiological symptoms of dependence. The review covers pharmacology, properties from pre-clinical and clinical research, and evidence from controlled studies and naturalistic or ceremonial settings, identifying proposed therapeutic mechanisms. Understanding ancient and present-day knowledge of these substances may offer hope for treating addiction, especially in individuals who have not responded to conventional methods.