This review (2023) discusses the potential integration of classic psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) into current clinical practices for substance use disorders (SUDs). With promising results from initial studies, the authors suggest that classic psychedelic-assisted therapies could become legally available options for SUD patients in the future. The article outlines contemporary evidence-based treatments for SUDs and proposes that classic psychedelic-assisted therapies can be broadly compatible with existing mainstream SUD treatment paradigms, offering a new avenue for exploration in addressing these disorders.
Abstract of The Integration of Classic Psychedelics into Current Substance Use Disorder Treatment Models
“Substance use disorders (SUDs) have an enormous impact on public health. With classic psychedelic-assisted therapies showing initial promise in treating multiple SUDs, it is possible that these treatments will become legally available options for patients with SUDs in the future. This article highlights how classic psychedelic-assisted therapies might be integrated into current clinical practice. We first describe contemporary evidence-based treatments for SUDs and highlight how classic psychedelic-assisted therapies might fit within each treatment. We suggest that classic psychedelic-assisted therapies can be integrated into most mainstream evidence-based SUD treatments that are currently used in clinical settings, indicating broad compatibility of classic psychedelics with contemporary SUD treatment paradigms.”
Authors: David B. Yaden, Andrea P. Berghella, Peter S. Hendricks, Mary E. Yaden, Michael Levine, Julia Rohde, Sandeep Nayak, Matthew W. Johnson & Albert Garcia-Romeu
Summary of The Integration of Classic Psychedelics into Current Substance Use Disorder Treatment Models
Introduction
Several studies have shown promising results for the use of psychedelics in treating various SUDs, including LSD, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline. Some evidence also suggests that non-classic psychedelics, such as ibogaine, ketamine, and MDMA, may be possible options for treating SUDs. Contemporary pilot studies using classic psychedelics in the treatment of SUDs have reported large within-subject effects, with reductions or cessation of substance use lasting more than 6 months. A long-term follow up of a psilocybin-assisted smoking cessation trial found 53% of participants to be biochemically confirmed continuously Journal Pre-proof abstinent 12 months after the end of treatment. A number of studies have supported the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in the treatment of alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder, and larger, randomized controlled trials are following the pilot studies of psilocybin in alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder.
The treatment field for substance use disorders has shifted towards medication-assisted treatment (MAT) due to its demonstrated success in reducing substance use and harmful behaviors associated with various SUDs. MAT may be initiated prior to discontinuation, during early abstinence, or during ongoing use. There are currently no FDA approved medications for stimulant use disorders or cannabis use disorder, but there are FDA approved medications for alcohol, tobacco, and opioid use disorder.
Find this paper
The Integration of Classic Psychedelics into Current Substance Use Disorder Treatment Models
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106998
Open Access | Google Scholar | Backup | 🕊
Cite this paper (APA)
Yaden, D. B., Berghella, A. P., Hendricks, P. S., Yaden, M. E., Levine, M., Rohde, J., ... & Garcia-Romeu, A. (2023). IUPHAR-review: The Integration of Classic Psychedelics into Current Substance Use Disorder Treatment Models. Pharmacological Research, 106998.