LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE AS A VARIABLE IN THE HOSPITAL TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM

The use of LSD in treating alcoholism shows negligible long-term benefits. Patients who received LSD as part of a Human Relations Training Laboratory program were compared with those who received a placebo or no LSD. Successful post-treatment adjustment was more closely associated with pretreatment employment level, marital status, and completion of the treatment program than with LSD administration.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in the treatment of alcoholism has led to many claims as to the drug's efficacy, but without a controlled study of both in-hospital application and posthospital adjustment of patients. The present paper is concerned with the use of LSD in placebo and maximum dosages as a concomitant of a Human Relations Training Laboratory treatment program. Patients receiving LSD were also compared with patients completing the Laboratory program but not receiving LSD. Findings were such as to indicate that the long term gains through use of LSD are negligible. A successful post-treatment adjustment seems more closely associated with pretreatment employment level, marital status, and whether or not the patient completes the treatment program.