Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcoholism: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Assessments of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in the treatment of alcoholism have not been based on quantitative meta-analysis. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in order to evaluate the clinical efficacy of LSD in the treatment of alcoholism. Two reviewers independently extracted the data, pooling the effects using odds ratios (ORs) by a generic inverse variance, random effects model. We identified six eligible trials, including 536 participants. There was evidence for a beneficial effect of LSD on alcohol misuse (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.36-2.84; p = 0.0003). Between-trial heterogeneity for the treatment effects was negligible (I² = 0%). Secondary outcomes, risk of bias and limitations are discussed. A single dose of LSD, in the context of various alcoholism treatment programs, is associated with a decrease in alcohol misuse.

• Authors: Teri S Krebs, Pål-Ørjan Johansen
• Journal: Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) (J Psychopharmacol) Vol. 26 Issue 7 Pg. 994-1002 (Jul 2012) ISSN: 1461-7285 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22406913 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hallucinogens
• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide

Topics

• Adult
• Alcoholism (drug therapy, prevention & control, therapy)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Hallucinogens (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Secondary Prevention
• Substance Abuse Treatment Centers