A Perspective on Psychedelics as Treatments for Addictions.
David J. Nutt, Celia Morgan, Sukhpreet Klaire
J Stud Alcohol Drugs March 22, 2024 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.23-00032 via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractOver 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Addiction recovery Substance abuse treatment Dependency healing Addiction therapy Recovery methods |
| Key finding | Psychedelic research for mental illness and addictions has progressed from early LSD studies to modern neuroscience, MDMA psychotherapy, and ketamine treatment, with ongoing investigation into brain mechanisms and future challenges. |
Abstract
This Perspectives piece gives a brief overview on the last 70 years of psychedelic research in relation to the treatment of mental illness with a particular focus on addictions. We briefly precis the work in the 19650s/60s that started following the discovery of LSD. Then we overview research developments over the past twenty years driven by emerging neuroscience on these agents, the rise of MDMA use in psychotherapy and the emergence of ketamine as a treatment for mental illnesses. We then briefly outline new research on the brain mechanisms of these therapeutic effects. Finally the current status of research and future challenges in the field are reviewed.