Lsd Might Help Alcoholics Quit, Stay Abstinent: Study

[dudeone]

LSD Might Help Alcoholics Quit, Stay Abstinent: Study

HealthDay – Fri, Mar 9, 2012 11:51 PM EST

(HealthDay News) -- The hallucinogenic drug LSD may help treat alcoholism, new research suggests.

A number of studies examining the use of LSD to treat a variety of disorders, including alcoholism, were conducted in the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

In a new analysis, Norwegian researchers examined six studies of LSD and alcoholism that were conducted in the United States and Canada between 1966 and 1970.

The analysis of data from the 536 patients in the studies showed that a single dose of LSD helped heavy alcoholics quit and reduced their risk of resuming drinking, according to the meta-analysis appearing online March 8 in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Patients who received a full dose of the controversial drug did the best. On average, 59 percent of those patients showed a clear improvement, compared with 38 percent of patients in other groups, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology researchers said.

The beneficial effect of LSD was greatest during the first few months of treatment, but the effect gradually decreased over time.

"We do not yet fully know why LSD works this way," researchers Teri Krebs and Pal-Orjan Johansen said in a university news release. "But we know that the substance is nontoxic and that it is not addictive. We also know that it has a striking effect on the imagination, perception and memories."

LSD interacts with a specific type of serotonin receptor in the brain.

"LSD may stimulate the formation of new connections and patterns, and generally seems to open an individual to an awareness of new perspectives and opportunities for action," the researchers speculated.

Despite some promising studies, it was generally concluded decades ago that LSD had no demonstrated medical use. While nonmedical use of the psychedelic drug is illegal, LSD is still permitted as an experimental medical treatment.

"There has long been a need for better treatments for addiction. We think it is time to look at the use of psychedelics in treating various conditions," the researchers said.

[The Brahma Bull]

Nightmare waiting to happen.

[Sick Hands]

Not suprised,

Once the newer generation takes over, I think much of the taboo surrounding "illegal" drugs will be seen in a scientific sense, instead of the dogmatic views currently in place. Many illegal drugs were villanized by drug companies trying to monopolize the market.

Also this "treatment" for alcoholism I believe would be more of a one time thing, an intervention. Instead of an ongoing perscription for hallucengens. So those thinking this would destroy society, take that into perspective.

for the record I've never done LSD or anything even close. So I personally couldnt tell you, but from what I've read, a one time intervention with LSD would be much less damaging than continuing an addiction to alcohol.

[Spitfire_Spiky]

Alcoholism is a huge problem for lots of individuals and if a one time dose of LSD was the cure I'd say go for it.

[JRSJ]

I just rescently watched a documentary about the history and current administration of LSD to patients. Frankly, I found myself agreeing with many of the points made for the use of LSD as a treatment option.

LSD is probably one of the safest substances to use, from a health standpoint. The human body can metabolise it easily, its too bad that its considered by many to be one of the 'worst' drugs you could do.

I highly doubt a one time dose 'miracle cure' is possible. This would be an on going, periodical treatment, where the patient would have to be stable enough in their recovery to accept the connections and revelations they could make while on LSD.

The chances of a bad 'trip' could be minimized and eliminated if trust and a safe environment are involved throughout the treatment. Again, this would be for patients who want to accept self discovery, and are stable during their recovery. (Not convusing in the corner, screaming for booze.)

Another interesting study on a substance similar to LSD, called Ayuhuasca is being done on Vancouver Island. Basically its a safe haven/ therapy retreat for treatment of heroin/alcohol addiction, and behavioral disorders. I believe David Suzuki did a show on it.