MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD may also reduce hazardous alcohol use without increasing illicit drug use. In a randomized trial, 90 adults with severe PTSD received either MDMA-assisted therapy or placebo plus therapy. Those in the MDMA group showed a greater reduction in alcohol use scores (average decrease of 1.02 points) compared to a slight increase in the placebo group (average increase of 0.40 points). Changes in drug use scores did not differ between groups. The findings suggest MDMA-assisted therapy could serve as an integrated treatment for co-occurring PTSD and alcohol or substance use disorders.
A 2022 scientific research conference in Toronto brought together stakeholders from multiple disciplines to discuss the potential role of psychedelic compounds in treating mental health and substance use disorders. This Special Issue includes 8 papers based on conference presentations, covering quantitative and qualitative works plus two letters to the editors. The articles present the current state of psychedelic research, viewpoints on impacts for underrepresented communities, the need to recognize the history of these compounds beyond the new Western renaissance, and the complexities of integrating psychedelics into mainstream medicine. The collection emphasizes that collaboration can advance the field to harness its potential impact.
Over the past 70 years, psychedelic research for treating mental illness, particularly addictions, has evolved from early work with LSD in the 1950s and 1960s to recent neuroscience-driven studies. Recent developments include the use of MDMA in psychotherapy and ketamine as a treatment for mental illnesses. New research explores brain mechanisms underlying these therapeutic effects. The field faces challenges in advancing research and clinical application.