Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garcia-Romeu, Albert; Davis, Alan K; Erowid, Fire; Erowid, Earth; Griffiths, Roland R; Johnson, Matthew W
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychopharmacology. Volume 33:Number 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1088
• Page End: 1101
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Psychedelics -- hallucinogens -- alcohol -- psilocybin -- lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD); Psychopharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1177/0269881119845793
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-8811

Abstract

Background: Meta-analysis of randomized studies using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) showed large, significant effects for LSD efficacy compared to control conditions. Clinical studies suggest potential anti-addiction effects of LSD and mechanistically-related classic psychedelics for alcohol and other substance use disorders. Aims: To supplement clinical studies, reports of psychedelic use in naturalistic settings can provide further data regarding potential effects of psychedelics on alcohol use. Methods: An anonymous online survey of individuals with prior AUD reporting cessation or reduction in alcohol use following psychedelic use in non-clinical settings. Results: 343 respondents, mostly White (89%), males (78%), in the USA (60%) completed the survey. Participants reported seven years of problematic alcohol use on average before the psychedelic experience to which they attributed reduced alcohol consumption, with 72% meeting retrospective criteria for severe AUD. Most reported taking a moderate or high dose of LSD (38%) or psilocybin (36%), followed by significant reduction in alcohol consumption. After the psychedelic experience 83% no longer met AUD criteria. Participants rated their psychedelic experience as highly meaningful and insightful, with 28% endorsing psychedelic-associated changes in life priorities or values as facilitating reduced alcohol misuse. Greater psychedelic dose, insight, mystical-type effects, and personal meaning of experiences were associated with a greater reduction in alcohol consumption, controlling for prior alcohol consumption and related distress. Conclusions: Although results cannot demonstrate causality, they suggest that naturalistic psychedelic use may lead to cessation or reduction in problematic alcohol use, supporting further investigation of psychedelic-assisted treatment for AUD.