Views on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Substance Use Disorders from Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder and a History of Injection-Related Infections: A Qualitative Study.

Adults with opioid use disorder who have survived injection-related infections generally support psychedelic-assisted therapy as a treatment for substance use disorders, but they also express concerns. In interviews with 17 participants, common supportive themes included that hospitalization helped them recognize the severity of their disorder, that psychedelic-assisted therapy could foster insight and openness to recovery, and that professional monitoring during sessions was reassuring. Participants also valued addressing underlying mental health issues and the role of spirituality. Concerns centered on the possibility of a "bad trip," adverse effects, relapse risk, and misuse of psychedelics. Further research is needed, especially when standard medications have failed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

New treatment options are needed to improve outcomes for patients with both opioid use disorder (OUD) and injection-related infections. Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has been suggested as a potential treatment for substance use disorders (SUD). To address this need, a qualitative study was conducted to understand the attitudes toward PAT from individuals with OUD who have survived injection-related infections. Semistructured interviews were conducted with individuals with an OUD diagnosis and a history of an injection-related infection. A thematic analysis was performed on transcribed interviews. Seventeen participants completed the interviews. The mean age was 43.8 years, and 58.8% were men. Participants generally expressed support for PAT for SUD; however, they also raised concerns. The most common themes that emerged were as follows: hospitalization allowed individuals to recognize the severity of their underlying OUD, PAT could contribute to greater insights about their illness and greater openness to recovery, comfort in knowing PAT will be administered while being monitored by qualified professionals, PAT addressing underlying mental health issues, and the importance of spirituality in recovery. The themes surrounding concerns involved experiencing a "bad trip," adverse effects, the risk of relapse, and psychedelic misuse. Overall, participants with OUD who survived injection-related infections view PAT positively as a treatment option for SUD. However, they have concerns about potential negative effects. Further research is needed to understand PAT acceptability for this patient population, especially if traditional medications for OUD have been ineffective.