LSD would have therapeutic virtues. It could serve as a treatment for alcoholism according to a study presented in the serious journal Journal of Psychopharmacology and relayed by the site of the BBC. This synthetic hallucinogenic drug had a “significant beneficial effect” on alcohol abuse, which lasted six months after taking LSD. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology analyzed the impact of taking LSD by testing more than 500 patients. These were all part of an alcohol treatment program. Two-thirds of them received a low level of LSD between 210 and 800 micrograms. The remaining third received a placebo. >> More information on alcoholism in our file
LSD: results to be confirmed over the long term
Conclusion, 59% of people belonging to the group who took LSD reduced their alcohol consumption against 38% in the other group. The effect of the hallucinogen was seen six months after the first intake before disappearing after a year. Patients “on LSD” exhibited sustained levels of abstinence compared to their peers treated otherwise.
For the researchers, not only would one dose of LSD be effective against alcoholism, but regular doses could prolong in the long term the benefit observed over 6 months.
“Given the evidence for the positive impact of LSD as a treatment for alcoholism, it is surprising that this therapeutic approach has so far been neglected,” lament the authors. While LSD is a strictly banned drug in the UK, researchers are not afraid to kick in the anthill and are calling for the legislation to be relaxed so that research can be done further. >> To read also: Alcohol: the younger you start, the more dependent you are
There is no doubt that this study should cause controversy beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. In France in particular where LSD is classified as a narcotic. “The acquisition, possession, use, production, transport, transfer (even free of charge) and sale of hallucinogens are prohibited by the Public Health Code and the Penal Code”, recalls the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
>> To read also: Baclofen: a miracle drug against alcoholism?
