The Promise and Demise of LSD Psychotherapy in Norway

In the early-to-mid 1960s, LSD was widely used in psychotherapy in several countries, but its use declined. Two explanations are examined using the Norwegian case: a 'moral panic' triggered by youth subcultures adopting cannabis and LSD, and a lack of proof for therapeutic efficacy as double-blind trials became the standard. Both factors contributed. Even before illegal drug use emerged in youth groups, key figures in Norwegian healthcare grew skeptical due to insufficient evidence of therapeutic benefit. This skepticism intensified when youth subcultures appeared in the mid-1960s and the 'war on drugs' reshaped drug policy.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract In the early-to-mid 1960s, there was considerable use of LSD in psychotherapy in several countries. However, its use gradually levelled off. Two explanations have been suggested: The first revolves around a ‘moral panic’ in the wake of the introduction of cannabis and LSD by subcultural youth groups. The second focuses on the lack of proof for the therapeutic efficacy of LSD at a time when double-blind designs became the gold standard. Using available sources, we explore the Norwegian case. Both explanations are supported: Even before illegal drug use had taken root in youth subcultures, scepticism was gradually building among key figures in the Norwegian healthcare system due to lack of evidence for therapeutic efficacy. This scepticism only increased when the new youth subcultures became visible in the mid-1960s and when the ‘war on drugs’ transformed the drug policy.