TY - JOUR
T1 - Classic psychedelics in the treatment of substance use disorder
T2 - Potential synergies with twelve-step programs
AU - Yaden, David B.
AU - Berghella, Andrea P.
AU - Regier, Paul S.
AU - Garcia-Romeu, Albert
AU - Johnson, Matthew W.
AU - Hendricks, Peter S.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021
PY - 2021/12
Y1 - 2021/12
N2 - Several pilot studies have provided evidence supporting the potential of classic psychedelics like psilocybin in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). If larger trials confirm efficacy, classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may eventually be integrated into existing addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and medication-assisted therapies. Many individuals seeking treatment for SUDs also join twelve-step facilitation (TSF) programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which are among the most widely available and accessed treatments for alcohol use disorder worldwide. For such individuals, engaging in classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy could be seen as controversial, as members of AA/TSF programs have historically rejected medication-assisted treatments in favor of a pharmacotherapy-free approach. We argue that classic psychedelics and the subjective experiences they elicit may represent a special, more compatible case than conventional medications. In support of this claim, we describe Bill Wilson's (the founder of AA) little known experiences with psychedelics and on this basis, we argue that aspects of classic psychedelic treatments could complement AA/TSF programs. We provide a review of clinical trials evaluating psychedelics in the context of SUDs and discuss their potential large-scale impact should they be ultimately integrated into AA/TSF.
AB - Several pilot studies have provided evidence supporting the potential of classic psychedelics like psilocybin in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). If larger trials confirm efficacy, classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may eventually be integrated into existing addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and medication-assisted therapies. Many individuals seeking treatment for SUDs also join twelve-step facilitation (TSF) programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which are among the most widely available and accessed treatments for alcohol use disorder worldwide. For such individuals, engaging in classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy could be seen as controversial, as members of AA/TSF programs have historically rejected medication-assisted treatments in favor of a pharmacotherapy-free approach. We argue that classic psychedelics and the subjective experiences they elicit may represent a special, more compatible case than conventional medications. In support of this claim, we describe Bill Wilson's (the founder of AA) little known experiences with psychedelics and on this basis, we argue that aspects of classic psychedelic treatments could complement AA/TSF programs. We provide a review of clinical trials evaluating psychedelics in the context of SUDs and discuss their potential large-scale impact should they be ultimately integrated into AA/TSF.
KW - Community
KW - Harm reduction
KW - Psychedelics
KW - Twelve step
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85111275991&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85111275991&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103380
DO - 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103380
M3 - Review article
C2 - 34329952
AN - SCOPUS:85111275991
SN - 0955-3959
VL - 98
JO - International Journal of Drug Policy
JF - International Journal of Drug Policy
M1 - 103380
ER -