This prospective study (n=86) evaluated the effects of ibogaine & 5-MeO-DMT treatment on risky alcohol use & PTSD symptoms among US Special Operations Forces Veterans. It found a significant reduction in alcohol use from pre-treatment to 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months post-treatment, and large differences between responders and non-responders in PTSD symptom and cognitive functioning change, suggesting that psychedelic-assisted therapy may hold promise for individuals with complex trauma and alcohol misuse.
Abstract of Prospective associations of psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans
“This study evaluated prospective associations of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment for risky alcohol use and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among United States (US) Special Operations Forces Veterans (SOFV). Data were collected during standard clinical operations at pre-treatment and 1-month (1 m), 3-months (3 m), and 6-months (6 m) post-treatment in an ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment program in Mexico. Of the 86 SOFV that completed treatment, 45 met criteria for risky alcohol use at pre-treatment (mean age = 44; male = 100%; White = 91%). There was a significant reduction in alcohol use from pre-treatment (M = 7.2, SD = 2.3) to 1 m (M = 3.6; SD = 3.5) post-treatment, which remained reduced through 6 m (M = 4.0; SD = 2.9; p < .001, partial eta squared = .617). At 1 m, 24% were abstinent, 33% were non-risky drinking, and 42% were risky drinkers. At 6 m, 16% were abstinent, 31% were non-risky drinking, and 53% were risky drinkers. There were no differences between responders (abstinent/non-risky drinkers) and non-responders (risky drinkers) in demographics/clinical characteristics. However, there were significant and very large differences between responders and non-responders in PTSD symptom (p < .01, d = −3.26) and cognitive functioning change (p < .01, d = −0.99). Given these findings, future clinical trials should determine whether psychedelic-assisted therapy holds promise for individuals with complex trauma and alcohol misuse who have not been successfully treated with traditional interventions.”
Authors: Stacey B. Armstrong, Yitong Xin, Nathan D. Sepeda, Martín Polanco, Lynnette A. Averill & Alan K. Davis
Summary of Prospective associations of psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans
Special Operations Forces (SOFV) personnel are likely to experience many deployments, longer time away from home, more isolation, and potential intense combat situations. Many Veterans use alcohol to cope with the stress of combat, physical injuries, and stress- and trauma-exposure-related psychological disorders.
SOFV have a strong sense of duty and significant mental health-related stigma, which likely influences their reluctance to seek mental health treatment. Currently, there are limited effective treatments for this unique population.
Find this paper
https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2022.2156200
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Cite this paper (APA)
Armstrong, S. B., Xin, Y., Sepeda, N. D., Polanco, M., Averill, L. A., & Davis, A. K. (2023). Prospective associations of psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans. Military Psychology, 1-8.
Study details
Compounds studied
Ibogaine
5-MeO-DMT
Topics studied
PTSD
Alcohol Use Disorder
Addiction
Study characteristics
Observational
Longitudinal
Participants
86
Humans