The tripping point: The potential role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the response to the opioid crisis

The contamination of the drug supply with illicitly manufactured fentanyl and related analogs in North America has caused the most severe drug-overdose crisis in history. Available pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder has had limited success, and evidence highlights the need for interventions targeting social-structural drivers. Re-emerging clinical research suggests psychedelic-assisted therapy has potential as an alternative treatment for refractory substance use disorders and related comorbidities. The authors support advancing research on psychedelic-assisted therapy within a multifaceted response to the opioid crisis.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The increasing contamination of the drug supply with illicitly manufactured fentanyl and related analogs in North America has resulted in the most severe drug-overdose crisis in history. Available pharmacotherapy options for the treatment of opioid use disorder have had limited success in curbing the current crisis, and a growing body of evidence highlights the need for innovative interventions that target underlying social-structural drivers of opioid use disorder. Re-emerging clinical research suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy has potential as an alternative treatment for refractory substance use disorders and related comorbidities. Based on the available evidence, our viewpoint supports advancing research on the potential role of psychedelic-assisted therapy within a multifaceted response to the opioid crisis.