Psychedelic Therapy Utilizing LSD in the Treatment of the Alcoholic Patient: A Preliminary Report
Albert A. Kurland, Sanford M. Unger, John W. Shaffer, Charles Savage
American Journal of Psychiatry April 1, 1967 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.123.10.1202 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsychedelic therapy for alcoholic patients may work by using LSD to induce a 'peak' experience that breaks through feelings of alienation. An exemplary session report and MMPI data from 69 pilot patients illustrate the approach. Current results suggest that adding psychedelic therapy significantly improves available alcoholic rehabilitation resources, but safe and effective use of LSD requires specialized training.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 69 |
| Population | Alcoholic patients |
| Topics | LSD |
| Keywords | Psychotherapist Rehabilitation Alienation Medicine |
| Citations | 56 |
| Key finding | Psychedelic therapy adds significantly to presently available alcoholic rehabilitation resources. |
Abstract
The rationale of psychedelic therapy with alcoholic patients is focused on the alienation-breaking potential of "peak" or psychedelic experiences induced with the aid of LSD. An exemplary LSD session report and MMPI data on 69 pilot patients are presented for illustration. While all present results indicate that psychedelic therapy does add significantly to presently available alcoholic rehabilitation resources, it is emphasized that safe and effective use of LSD requires specialized training.