Emerging Perspectives in Addiction Psychiatry

Alcohol and tobacco are legal but carry well-documented risks of misuse and disease, with alcohol dependence also contributing to opioid overdoses that kill 130 people daily. Despite growing awareness of the opioid epidemic, most Americans do not receive FDA-approved addiction medications. Effective medications exist for alcohol use disorder, and medications for opioid use disorder have validated benefits. Recently, psychedelic compounds like psilocybin have shown potential for alleviating depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. A comprehensive, integrated public health approach is essential for treating substance use disorders.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Despite their legality, alcohol and tobacco both have a well-documented potential for misuse and elevate users' likelihood for disease. Dependence on alcohol also contributes to opioid overdoses, which claim 130 lives every day. Although awareness of the opioid epidemic is rising broadly among health care professionals, a majority of Americans still do not receive adequate, FDA-approved medications for their addiction. Effective medications are available for alcohol use disorder and medications for opioid use disorder have validated benefits that justify their use. In recent years, psychedelic compounds have attracted interest among scientists for their potential to alter mood and cognition in beneficial manners. Already, some evidence supports the use of psilocybin in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety; psychedelic compounds also have potential as alcohol use disorder treatments and may help reduce symptoms tied to opioid withdrawal. Because substance use disorders can culminate in death, a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the treatment of people with substance use disorders is essential.