Current Drug Abuse Reviews
January 9, 2015
Albert Garcia‐romeu, Roland R. Griffiths, Matthew W. Johnson
480 citations
In an open-label pilot study, 15 smokers received 2 or 3 doses of psilocybin alongside cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking cessation. Twelve of 15 participants (80%) had biologically verified smoking abstinence at 6-month follow-up. Those who quit scored significantly higher on a measure of psilocybin-occasioned mystical experience than those who relapsed, while general drug intensity did not differ between groups. Nine of 15 participants (60%) met criteria for a complete mystical experience. Smoking cessation outcomes correlated with measures of mystical experience on session days and with retrospective ratings of personal meaning and spiritual significance. The results suggest mystical experience may mediate psychedelic-facilitated addiction treatment.
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
June 1, 2013
Gerald Thomas, Philippe Lucas, N. Rielle Capler et al.
327 citations
Ayahuasca-assisted therapy was linked to meaningful improvements in factors related to problematic substance use among a rural aboriginal population. The observed changes suggest positive psychological and behavioral shifts, indicating that this therapeutic approach merits further, more rigorous investigation.
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
January 9, 2015
Samuel Turton, D.j. Nutt, Robin Carhart‐Harris
48 citations
An analysis of the subjective experiences of psilocybin administered intravenously in an MRI scanner found effects consistent with prior reports on psilocybin's subjective effects. The article documents these phenomena and suggests further research is needed to explore the identified experiences.
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
January 9, 2015
Kenneth W. Tupper, Beatriz Caiuby Labate
47 citations
Ayahuasca and other psychedelics are studied across medicine, health, and human sciences, but their multiple ontological representations—as plant teacher, traditional medicine, religious sacrament, material commodity, cognitive tool, or illicit drug—shape how they are understood as objects of inquiry. Early modern European empiricism and experimental philosophy later gave way to dogmatism that politically suppressed academic psychedelic research. Epistemological issues arise from indigenous and mestizo concepts like "plant teacher" and the instrumental notion of psychedelics as "cognitive tools," raising questions about whether scientists studying ayahuasca should have personal experience with it and how that affects objectivity. The politics of psychedelic research and impediments to academic knowledge production are also considered.
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
June 1, 2013
Michael P. Bogenschutz
47 citations
Renewed interest in classic hallucinogens such as psilocybin and LSD for treating addictions is supported by a review of older and recent research. The article provides direct and indirect evidence for therapeutic effects, outlines unique design issues for clinical trials with these drugs, and discusses the current status and design considerations for future randomized trials.
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
January 9, 2015
Mitchell B. Liester
46 citations
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semisynthetic compound chemically related to serotonin with strong psychoactive properties. Initially hypothesized to produce a psychosislike state, it was later reported to have benefits in treating addictions. Widespread indiscriminate use and adverse effects led to its classification as an illicit drug with no accepted medical use. This article reviews LSD's history from discovery to use as a research tool, association with the 1960s counterculture, and rebirth as a potential medicine for addictions. Its pharmacology, phenomenology, effects at neurotransmitter receptors, and effects on gene expression are reviewed. Based on the literature, further research into LSD's potential as an addiction treatment is warranted.
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
June 1, 2013
Lisa Jerome, Shira Schuster, B. Yazar-Klosinski
36 citations
Psychedelic compounds show promise as treatments for substance abuse disorders. MDMA, which shares features with psychedelics and has reduced PTSD symptoms in assisted psychotherapy, may also help. Early reports indicate some people reduced or stopped substance use after receiving MDMA, especially therapeutically. MDMA releases monoamines, activates 5-HT2A receptors indirectly, and increases prosocial feelings via oxytocin. Heavy lifetime ecstasy use is linked to fewer serotonin transporters and impaired verbal memory. Animal and human studies show moderate abuse liability, but in two recent clinical studies, participants who received MDMA-assisted psychotherapy did not seek ecstasy and tested negative on random drug tests during follow-up. MDMA might directly treat addiction-related neuropharmacological abnormalities or indirectly aid therapy and comorbid conditions.