title: A proposal to evaluate mechanistic efficacy of hallucinogens in addiction treatment.
abstract: Current treatments for addiction are frequently ineffective. Hallucinogenic therapy has been indicated as helpful for a range of substance use disorders, yet this approach remains understudied and publicly unavailable. It is nonetheless a promising treatment, which has significant, long-term beneficial effects with single doses and a profile characterized by general safety, low toxicity, and non-addictiveness. However, pharmacological interventions, such as hallucinogens, should not be offered if the same effects (e.g. psychological insights/mystical experiences) and outcomes (e.g. decreased drug use) could be achieved absent pharmacological intervention. To date, there have been no clinical comparisons of drug-induced altered states with non-drug-induced states for addiction treatment. We propose and then outline a clinical trial to address this gap in knowledge. The proposed design would evaluate abstinence outcomes in a population of prescription opioid abusers after exposure to one of three conditions: a drug-induced altered state using psilocybin, a non-drug-induced altered state via hyperventilation (Holotropic Breathwork), and an active placebo with niacin. The outcomes of such a study would reveal important differences in therapeutic potential by discriminating hallucinogen-dependent effects from those psychological effects resulting from altered states.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
authors: Brittany Vasae
authors: BV
authors: Burdick
authors: Bryon
authors: B
authors: Adinoff
mesh_terms: D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006985:Hyperventilation; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011562:Psilocybin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D006213:Hallucinogens; D011562:Psilocybin