LSD in the Treatment of Alcoholics*
Pharmacopsychiatry March 1, 1971 A. A. Kurland, Charles Savage, Walter N. Pahnke et al. 110 citations
A double-blind, controlled study with 135 chronic alcoholics tested whether a high dose of LSD (450 micrograms) as an adjunct to psychotherapy, called psychedelic peak therapy, improved outcomes more than a low dose (50 micrograms). Both groups were treated in a hospital and followed for 18 months. At 6 months, the high-dose group showed a statistically significant advantage in drinking behavior and global adjustment. However, this initial gain faded, and by 12 to 18 months there were no significant differences between groups. Despite this, both groups showed considerably better overall improvement than typical alcoholics in the same setting without LSD-assisted psychotherapy. Further research is needed to sustain initial benefits.