LSD in the Treatment of Alcoholics*

A double-blind, controlled study with 135 chronic alcoholics tested whether a high dose of LSD (450 micrograms) as an adjunct to psychotherapy, called psychedelic peak therapy, improved outcomes more than a low dose (50 micrograms). Both groups were treated in a hospital and followed for 18 months. At 6 months, the high-dose group showed a statistically significant advantage in drinking behavior and global adjustment. However, this initial gain faded, and by 12 to 18 months there were no significant differences between groups. Despite this, both groups showed considerably better overall improvement than typical alcoholics in the same setting without LSD-assisted psychotherapy. Further research is needed to sustain initial benefits.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The use of LSD in the treatment of alcoholism has led to many claims concerning the drug's efficacy. Efforts to verify these reports in controlled studies have been difficult because of the unique effects of LSD. Despite this formidable methodological obstacle a number of investigations have been carried out. A critique of these is presented followed by our own research experience in a double-blind, controlled study with 135 chronic alcoholics. In our investigation LSD was employed only as an adjunct to psychotherapy, and most patients received only one session with LSD. Our method is called psychedelic peak therapy because during the actual administration of LSD the aim is to achieve a positively profound and insightful experience, hopefully yielding beneficial personality and attitudinal changes. Dosage was 450 micrograms for the experimental group and 50 micrograms or the control group. Both groups were treated within a hospital setting and were followed at 6, 12, and 18 months to assess post-hospital adjustment. The high dose group showed a statistically significant advantage over the low dose group on drinking behavior and global adjustment at the end of 6 months, but this initial gain was attenuated so that by the end of 12 to 18 months of follow-up there were no significant differences between the groups, although the overall level of improvement was considerably better for both groups than the usual improvement for other alcoholics in the same setting without any form of LSD-assisted psychotherapy. These results have indicated that further research is needed in order to discover how to sustain and maximize the initial therapeutic benefits we have observed.