The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
January 1, 2018
Thomas Kingsley Brown, Kenneth Alper
156 citations
Ibogaine, a plant alkaloid, was associated with reduced opioid withdrawal symptoms and drug use in 30 people dependent on heroin or prescription opioids who had not benefited from other treatments. Withdrawal scores dropped from 31 to 14 within about three days. One month after treatment, half of the subjects reported no opioid use in the previous 30 days. Improvements in drug use, legal, and family or social problems were sustained for up to 12 months, though the strongest effect on drug use was at one month. These findings suggest ibogaine may offer a new model for addiction pharmacotherapy.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
January 1, 2018
Geoffrey E Noller, Chris M Frampton, Berra Yazar-Klosinski
150 citations
A single ibogaine treatment reduced opioid withdrawal symptoms and led to opioid cessation or sustained reduced use over 12 months in dependent individuals. Among 14 participants (50% female) receiving legal ibogaine treatment in New Zealand, addiction severity scores dropped significantly from baseline to 12-month follow-up for the 8 who completed all interviews. Depression scores also significantly decreased. Opioid withdrawal symptoms fell acutely after treatment for all 14 participants. One patient died during treatment. Legal availability in New Zealand may improve outcomes by allowing treatment providers to collaborate with other health professionals.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
January 1, 2019
Alan K Davis, Sara So, Rafael Lancelotta et al.
141 citations
Among people who used 5-MeO-DMT in a structured group setting with guided dosing and support, 80% of those previously diagnosed with depression and 79% of those previously diagnosed with anxiety reported their condition improved after use. Only 3% with depression and 2% with anxiety said their condition worsened. Greater improvement was linked to more intense mystical experiences and higher ratings of the experience's spiritual significance and personal meaning, but not to the intensity of challenging physical or psychological effects. The findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits, warranting controlled clinical trials.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
November 1, 2016
Joseph J Palamar, Patricia Acosta, Scott Sherman et al.
73 citations
Over a third (35.1%) of young adults aged 18–25 attending electronic dance music parties at nightclubs and festivals in New York City reported having used at least one novel psychoactive substance (NPS) in their lifetime. Synthetic cannabinoids were the most common (16.3%), followed by psychedelic phenethylamines (14.7%), synthetic cathinones (6.9%), other psychedelics (6.6%), tryptamines (5.1%), and dissociatives (4.3%). Use of Ecstasy/MDMA/Molly, LSD, and ketamine, identifying as bisexual, more frequent nightclub or festival attendance, and being surveyed outside a festival (versus a nightclub) were associated with higher risk of NPS use. The findings indicate that prevention and harm reduction efforts should target this high-risk population.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
January 1, 2012
Brian E Perron, Brian K Ahmedani, Michael G Vaughn et al.
36 citations
Salvia divinorum use is most common among young adults aged 18-25 and individuals who engage in risk-taking behaviors such as selling illicit drugs or stealing, as well as those who use other illicit drugs, particularly other hallucinogens or ecstasy. Self-reported depression and anxiety are also associated with salvia use. The findings indicate that salvia use is part of a broader pattern of psychosocial and behavioral problems among youth and young adults. Its accessibility, legal status, and psychoactive effects may pose additional health risks, especially for those with existing substance use problems.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
September 3, 2023
Alan Kooi Davis, Yitong Xin, Nathan Sepeda et al.
29 citations
Combined ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT assisted therapy produced rapid and large improvements in mental health among trauma-exposed Special Operations Forces Veterans. In a sample of 86 male veterans, self-reported PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia severity, and post-concussive symptoms all significantly decreased from baseline to one-month follow-up. Satisfaction with life, psychological flexibility, and cognitive functioning also significantly improved. The therapeutic effects appeared durable up to six months. The study was a prospective clinical program evaluation conducted in Mexico, and the authors call for future controlled research to confirm these findings.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
September 3, 2023
Joseph J. Palamar
29 citations
A drug concoction called tusi, also known as “pink cocaine,” has emerged in Latin America, Europe, and now the United States. Despite its name—a phonetic translation of “2C” psychedelics—multiple drug checking studies show that tusi rarely contains 2C series drugs. Instead, most samples contain ketamine, often mixed with MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, or new psychoactive substances. This mislabeling confuses users, who may unknowingly consume a variety of drugs, increasing the risk of adverse effects. It also complicates research, as self-reported use undercounts exposure to substances like ketamine and MDMA. Combining self-reports with toxicological testing may yield more accurate estimates. Education about tusi’s actual contents and dangers is needed for both users and researchers.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
November 2, 2023
Fernando Mendive, Cecile Giovannetti, Sara García Arce
4 citations
A treatment program at the Takiwasi Center in the Peruvian Amazon combines traditional Amazonian medicine with modern psychotherapy to help people with substance use disorders. Since 1992, over a thousand patients from diverse backgrounds have participated in residential treatment. The program uses Amazonian healing techniques alongside psychological approaches in a therapeutic community. Quantitative outcomes show significant improvements in mental health indicators during treatment. The approach may offer insights for broader understanding and care of substance use disorders.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
September 2, 2024
Ming-Chyi Huang, Li-Jung Chiang, Wan-Hsi Chien et al.
Females with ketamine use disorder have lower leptin levels than healthy females, and those lower levels persist even after two weeks of abstinence. In contrast, males with ketamine use disorder show leptin levels similar to healthy males at the start of abstinence, and their leptin levels increase after two weeks of abstinence. Leptin is a hormone linked to addiction, and these sex-specific differences may be relevant for understanding recovery from ketamine dependence.