Psychedelics are a class of drugs that induce different states of consciousness, with classic psychedelics such as mescaline, psilocybin, DMT and LSD acting as agonists of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor. Over the last 20 years, we have observed a significant resurgence of studies focused on the use of psychedelics to address beliefs, traumas and behavioral patterns underlying mental-health disorders.
Various studies have centered on re-evaluating the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including MDMA, ketamine and psilocybin, in treating addiction. Thus far, the studies have demonstrated that psychedelics may be effective, particularly where traditional treatments fall short.
Some studies have determined that psychedelics may be particularly useful in treating addiction. Their findings were reported in the “Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs,” published by researchers at Rutgers University. These studies focused on helping individuals with opioid addiction, alcohol dependence and other substance-use disorders.
The researchers observed promise from psychedelics during trials, suggesting that they could help increase rates of abstinence in comparison to traditional therapy. They also observed that psychedelic-assisted therapy worked faster than the conventional approach, providing lasting benefits to patients after one to three sessions.
University of Toronto’s Dominique Morisano explained that psychedelic-assisted therapy helped consumers and allowed them to have moments that aided in their discovery. Morisano explains that this would be something reasonable to do, noting that individuals with substance-use disorders often use drugs to hide from any unwanted feelings and thoughts they may have.
She added that while patients experienced feelings of effectiveness that made it easier to adopt healthier coping skills and behaviors, no one knew exactly how this substance works. Some posit that psychedelics act through neuroplasticity, which refers to the ability of the brain to reorganize how it’s been wired.
Despite progress made, the protocols and effectiveness still require additional research, with experts noting that these therapies shouldn’t be administered without professional guidance.
In a report, Morisano noted that there were still basic questions that needed answers, such as which protocols were most effective for substance-use disorders and which drugs worked best for substance-use disorder. She added that additional funding would be needed from both private sources and the public, welcoming government funding.
Presently, Morisano emphasized, individuals needed to understand that psychedelics weren’t a do-it-yourself (DIY) treatment for mental-health conditions and substance abuse, and psychotherapy as part of treatment was important. According to her, microdosing on psychedelics alone isn’t enough.
Other researchers who were part of this study include Doris Payer, Brian Rush and Thomas F. Babor.
There’s still plenty to unpack regarding how exactly psychedelics trigger the therapeutic effects that they have been associated with. Hopefully, the ongoing work by various entities such as Compass Pathways PLC (NASDAQ: CMPS) will provide the needed scientific information to help the world to understand how these substances work.
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