A Controlled Comparison of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and Dextroamphetamine in Alcoholics
Leo E. Hollister, Jack Shelton, George Krieger
American Journal of Psychiatry April 1, 1969 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.125.10.1352 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn a controlled comparison of LSD and dextroamphetamine as treatments for alcoholism, seventy-two patients received either drug with minimal psychotherapeutic support. LSD showed slightly better outcomes early on, but after six months both groups had similar results. The authors argue that controlled studies are necessary to avoid mistakenly attributing special therapeutic powers to a particular treatment.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Controlled comparison Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 72 |
| Population | Alcoholic patients |
| Interventions | LSD dextroamphetamine |
| Duration | 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | LSD |
| Keywords | Dextroamphetamine Context archaeology Psychotherapist Psychiatry |
| Citations | 104 |
| Key finding | LSD produced slightly better results early, but after six months both treatment groups had similar outcomes. |
Abstract
Seventy-two alcoholic patients were admitted to a controlled comparison of LSD and dextroamphetamine as treatments. In the context of little associated psychotherapeutic intervention, LSD produced slightly better results early, but after six months the results were alike for both treatment groups. Controlled studies of such treatments are not only possible but mandatory, the authors conclude, if one is not to be misled into ascribing special therapeutic attributes to a specific treatment.