The Rebirth of Psychedelic Treatment for Alcoholism

Disclaimer: These thoughts do not reflect the opinions or views of Alcohol Free Social Life.com but are those of the author. This is not intended as medical advice or a recommendation to try the substances referred to in the article.

Using psychedelics as a treatment for alcoholism is nothing new. Since the 1950’s scientists have put their time and effort into researching how psychedelics work and finding their practical applications in modern medicine.

However, because of legal issues and government regulations, our knowledge of psychedelics, including their potential in treating drug and alcohol addiction, is limited.

With recent FDA approval for clinical trials on MDMA as a form of psychiatric therapy, the conversation surrounding psychedelic drugs as medicine has once again taken the spotlight.

The return of research into psychedelics is moving slowly, with many new drugs showing potential in treating alcoholism. These new findings expand on historical research that was once considered novel.

The Advent of LSD for Alcoholism: Humphry Osmond was the first major psychiatric pioneer in the field of psychedelic treatment for alcoholism. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, Osmond conducted experiments treating alcoholics with LSD a potent psychedelic discovered in 1938.

By the late 1960’s Osmond, along with his colleague Abram Hoffer, had treated over 2,000 individuals with LSD to see how it would affect their alcohol addiction.

The results were very promising. 40-45 percent of their patients were still sober after a one-year period—great results for any alcohol rehabilitation study.

Why were the results so promising? LSD and other psychedelics work differently than other drug and alcohol treatments. Rather than addressing the addiction on a mostly physical level, psychedelics deal with the underlying causes of the addiction.

Often, addiction stems from underlying trauma that an addict is trying to avoid or numb. Sometimes the addict isn’t even aware of this trauma.

Psychedelics put the brain in a much more accepting state. Many addicts are able to come to terms with their past and present and learn to deal with their addictions, and the reason for their addictions, in a much more positive way.

This gives addicts and alcoholics the ability to move forward in a new way, something that is often not dealt with through traditional drug rehabilitation programs.

Osmond’s findings and the potential implications for psychedelics were part of a rising tide of research at the time. But just as LSD was gaining traction in the medical field, it was also becoming a massive part of the hippy movement.

The associations with psychedelic drugs led to a backlash against their use. And, by 1968, LSD and many other psychedelic drugs were made illegal. The FDA labeled them as having no medicinal value and research into LSD as a treatment for disease and addiction came to an abrupt end.

And with that, significant research into any psychedelic medicines was put on a shelf for almost 50 years.

A New Wave of Psychedelic Study: A resurgence of psychedelic medicine for treating mental disorders has been underway since early this decade. This is mostly due to funding and scientific education led by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, or MAPS.

Although their biggest breakthrough has been in the use of MDMA (street name “Ecstasy”) in treating those suffering from PTSD, this may push open the doorway into more clinical uses for psychedelic medicines in drug and alcohol addiction.

There are many psychedelic drugs that have shown promise over the years—including LSD. However, let’s take a brief look at some of the other psychedelic drugs that have the potential to treat alcoholism.

Psilocybin: Found in “magic mushrooms” all around the world, psilocybin is the active alkaloid that causes psychedelic experiences in the brain. There is a little scientific study to support psilocybin as a treatment for alcoholism. However, there have been studies very recently showing psilocybin and its positive effects on helping treat those addicted to smoking tobacco.

Often, if a drug has a positive effect on one addiction, it may be suitable for others. Utilizing psilocybin for treating alcoholism may not be around the corner, but it has been building attention and more scientific studies are likely to occur in the future.

Ayahuasca: Mostly promoted by breakthrough addiction scientist Dr Gabor Maté, ayahuasca is a native Peruvian plant with strong psychoactive properties. Dr. Maté believes that the ayahuasca vine, along with its psychedelic element, can help those struggling with addiction find their past trauma and deal with it effectively.

Once again, scientific study and scope have been very limited. However, modern scientists are beginning to show how ayahuasca might be able to heal, repair, and protect brain cells. This makes ayahuasca a likely candidate for treating serious addiction while also healing damage to the brain caused by past abuse.

Ibogaine: Ibogaine is known as the “waking dream.” Found in western Africa, Ibogaine is an alkaloid extracted from the root bark of the Tabernanthe Iboga plant. Ibogaine is a powerful psychedelic that has been mostly recognized for its potential to eliminate heroin and opiate withdrawals. Many addicts and alcoholics have sought treatment for their addictions by traveling to Ibogaine clinics outside of the United States.

However, like other psychedelics, little US-based research has been done on Ibogaine as a treatment for alcoholism. And, although many claim to have benefitted from Ibogaine treatment, the future legality for Ibogaine and other psychedelics in modern US medicine is still unlikely.

The Future of Psychedelic Medicine: The hope is that psychedelic medicine can find its proper place. Through rigorous scientific study and clinical testing, we may finally determine if these psychedelic compounds actually fit into the category of “medicine.”

The truth is many are struggling with alcoholism. These individuals want to find peace, they want to find success in life, and they want to find freedom in sobriety.

However, the USA offers little variety in is the approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

What works for one person may not work for another. We should be continuing to explore new, effective ways to treat alcoholism based on scientific results, and not shy away from possibilities that could save lives.

Aeden Smith-Ahearn has been helping addicts find success through psychedelic treatment with Ibogaine . He continues to believe that through education and proper scientific study psychedelics can find their proper home in US medicine. He strongly believes there is no one way to treat alcoholism or addiction and that it is up to each individual to find the right treatment that works for them. Everyone deserves a happy and successful life—drug and alcohol-free.

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