Psychedelics to treat SUDs: Still growing as an option, but many barriers

Psychedelics show promise for treating substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use disorder, in addition to their established use for post-traumatic stress disorder. A review of archives, medical literature, and conference findings indicates that these substances can be effective for addiction treatment. The evidence suggests psychedelics may offer a new therapeutic avenue for alcohol use disorder, though the text does not specify effect sizes or sample sizes.

Study at a glance

Abstract

When we weren't looking, the annual “Innovations” issue crept up on us. And coincidentally, so did advances in the use of psychedelics to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). ADAW reviewed its own archives, as well as the medical literature, attended a conference and found that indeed, psychedelics can be used not only to treat post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but to treat SUDS, in particular, alcohol use disorder (AUD).