Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology
• Addiction Medicine
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Meta-analysis of randomized studies indicates significant efficacy of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Clinical research suggests classic psychedelics, including LSD, possess potential anti-addiction properties for various substance use disorders.
• Naturalistic psychedelic use reports can complement clinical data on alcohol use reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential effects of psychedelic use in naturalistic settings on alcohol consumption.
• To gather data on the cessation or reduction of alcohol use following psychedelic experiences in individuals with a history of AUD.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous online survey administered to individuals with prior AUD.
• Participants reported on psychedelic use in non-clinical settings and subsequent changes in alcohol consumption.
• Data collected on demographics, duration of problematic alcohol use, and psychedelic experience characteristics.

Main Results:

• 343 respondents with a history of severe AUD reported reduced alcohol consumption after psychedelic use.
• Most participants (83%) no longer met AUD criteria post-psychedelic experience.
• Higher psychedelic dose, perceived insight, mystical experiences, and personal meaning correlated with greater alcohol reduction.

Conclusions:

• Naturalistic psychedelic use may facilitate cessation or reduction of problematic alcohol use.
• Findings support further investigation into psychedelic-assisted treatments for AUD.
• Psychedelic experiences were rated as meaningful and insightful, with associated value changes contributing to reduced alcohol misuse.