Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcoholism: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

A meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials involving 536 participants found that a single dose of LSD, given alongside various alcoholism treatment programs, was associated with a decrease in alcohol misuse. The odds ratio for a beneficial effect was 1.96 (95% confidence interval 1.36–2.84), indicating a statistically significant reduction in alcohol misuse. Heterogeneity between trials was negligible. The analysis discusses secondary outcomes, risk of bias, and limitations of the included studies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Assessments of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in the treatment of alcoholism have not been based on quantitative meta-analysis. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in order to evaluate the clinical efficacy of LSD in the treatment of alcoholism. Two reviewers independently extracted the data, pooling the effects using odds ratios (ORs) by a generic inverse variance, random effects model. We identified six eligible trials, including 536 participants. There was evidence for a beneficial effect of LSD on alcohol misuse (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.36–2.84; p = 0.0003). Between-trial heterogeneity for the treatment effects was negligible (I 2 = 0%). Secondary outcomes, risk of bias and limitations are discussed. A single dose of LSD, in the context of various alcoholism treatment programs, is associated with a decrease in alcohol misuse.