Hallucinogenic potential: a review of psychoplastogens for the treatment of opioid use disorder
Frontiers in Pharmacology August 22, 2023 Mary G. Hornick, Ashley Stefanski 9 citations
The opioid epidemic in the United States persists, with opioid use disorder (OUD) at its core, involving physical addiction, psychological issues, and social-legal problems. Existing treatments have limited effectiveness due to access barriers, strict regimens, and failure to address non-pharmacological aspects. A growing body of research suggests hallucinogens, particularly psychoplastogens like ibogaine, ketamine, and classic psychedelics, may offer a unique, holistic alternative by combining pharmacological, neuroplasticity, and psychological mechanisms. However, legal, social, and safety concerns have hindered research. This review examines preclinical and clinical evidence for these compounds in treating OUD, while noting that further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy and proper safety and ethical guidelines.