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Use LSD to combat alcoholism: experts

NTB/The Local
NTB/The Local - [email protected]
Use LSD to combat alcoholism: experts

A team of Norwegian researchers has established that the psychedelic drug LSD is an effective medicine for the treatment of alcoholism, arguing that it should be used more widely.

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Paul-Oliver Johansen and Teri Krebs, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, have analyzed previous research into LSD and have come to the conclusion that a single dose of the drug may work just as well against alcohol addiction as daily doses of medications currently in use today.
 
As a result of their work, the researchers have argued that LSD should be included in the range of medications for treating alcoholism in Norway, according to a report by the Aftenposten daily.
 
"You should consider offering LSD therapy in combination with other therapeutic treatment to patients who have not been helped by current methods," they said.

The research which supports their conclusions was carried out in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, with the scientists coming across a total of six studies that met contemporary scientific standards.

After examining the six studies it was established that 59 percent of patients who had received LSD, had either quit drinking, or were drinking less than before.

"Treatment with a single dose of LSD seems to give equally good results as the daily use of medications used to treat alcoholism today. It is unusual that a drug has therapeutic effect for six months after one dose," the researchers explained.

The results of the study were published on Friday in the prestigious British Journal of Psychopharmacology, and by Nature News.

LSD can cause altered states of consciousness and sensory experiences. It is prohibited in Norway as a narcotic substance, but is permitted for use as a medicine.

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