Navigation: What Are Psychedelics?, The Psychedelic Renaissance, The Problem of Addiction, The Science Behind Psychedelics and Addiction, Conclusion: A Cure for Addiction?
In recent years, psychedelics have re-emerged from the shadows of the counterculture movement to become a topic of serious scientific research. Psychedelic therapy has seen a resurgence in interest, specifically in the last decade, from the scientific and medical communities. Now there is evidence being built for its safety and efficacy in treating a range of psychiatric disorders. [1]
Once dismissed as dangerous or fringe, these mind-altering substances are now being explored as potential treatments for mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD—and even drug addiction. But can psychedelics really help cure addiction?
Here we will explore the history of psychedelics, their relationship with addiction, the science behind how they work, and whether they offer a cure for one of society’s most persistent problems: substance abuse. Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Psychedelics?
Psychedelics, also known as hallucinogens, are a class of substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes. These substances work primarily by affecting the serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to changes in mood, perception, and cognition. [2]
Psychedelic drugs can affect all the senses. They can alter a person’s thinking, as well as their emotions and sense of time. They are also notorious for their ability to cause hallucinations. People may see or hear things that do not exist under the influence of psychedelics. [2]
Commonly researched psychedelics include:
- Psilocybin: Found in “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic that has been used in religious and healing rituals for centuries.
- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): A synthetic psychedelic that gained popularity in the 1960s counterculture movement.
- DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): Found in certain plants and often consumed as part of the Amazonian brew ayahuasca.
- MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Often classified as an empathogen or entactogen rather than a true psychedelic, MDMA is being studied for its ability to help people process trauma and connect emotionally.
Since ancient times, psychedelics have been used by various cultures all around the world for their mystical and spiritual associations. Magic mushrooms are typically eaten fresh, but they may also be brewed into a tea or cooked. Meanwhile LSD, Mescaline, and DMY are usually swallowed, smoked, or inhaled. Sometimes they are also mixed with cannabis or tobacco and smoked. [2]
What makes them unique in the context of treating addiction is that they don’t simply suppress symptoms like many pharmaceutical treatments. Instead, they can offer profound psychological insights, often leading to lasting behavioral change.
The Psychedelic Renaissance
The exploration of psychedelics in the West has seen a few waves of interest. The first occurred in the 1950s and ’60s, when substances like LSD and psilocybin were studied for their potential to treat a range of psychiatric conditions. Scientists were optimistic about their therapeutic potential, including their ability to curb addictive behaviors.
However, the societal backlash against the countercultural movements of the 1960s led to these drugs being classified as Schedule I substances in the U.S., meaning they were deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Research ground to a halt. [3]
But in the past two decades, interest has returned. Researchers are now diving back into the potential of psychedelics to treat addiction, armed with more advanced neuroscience and a better understanding of how the brain works.
Central to this revival is the re-emergence of a paradigm that acknowledges the importance of set, setting, and the therapeutic clinician-patient relationship as key elements in creating positive outcomes and facilitating healing. [3]
The Problem of Addiction
Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD, is a chronic and relapsing condition that is characterized by the compulsive use of a substance despite its harmful consequences. Simply put, an addicted person will keep taking a drug or drinking alcohol even if they are already suffering from its effects. [4]
Addiction often begins with voluntary drug use. However, these addictive substances change the way the brain functions, affecting its reward system and motivating the person to keep taking them. Over time, the person’s ability to choose not to take the drug becomes impaired.
It eventually reaches a point where they cannot quit or reduce their intake without experiencing extreme cravings and intense withdrawal symptoms. This also indicates that the person has developed physical dependence. Reducing their intake or quitting the substance results in a chemical imbalance that prevents them from functioning normally. The result is often a relapse. [4]
What makes drug addiction particularly dangerous is its wide-ranging impact on a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
Prolonged use of addictive substances can cause irreversible damage to vital organs like the heart, liver, and brain, potentially leading to conditions like heart disease, liver failure, or cognitive impairments.
Addiction can also lead to risky behaviors, such as unsafe sexual practices or sharing needles, and driving under the influence—which can lead to accidents. Taking large doses of certain substances may also lead to an overdose, which in some cases may be fatal.
Substance use disorders can severely disrupt personal and professional relationships, often resulting in financial instability, legal issues, and social isolation. The behavioral changes caused by substance abuse can lead to strained relationships. As the person prioritizes the drug over everything else, they may lose interest in things they used to enjoy and even neglect their responsibilities. [4]
Overall, addiction impacts every aspect of a person’s life, which is why it can be so overwhelming. The stigma associated with substance abuse and rehab can prevent them from receiving the help that they need, even if they want to get better. Addiction is a complex medical condition and not a moral failing.
The journey to recovery begins with exploring various treatment options and opening yourself up to the possibility of regaining your sobriety for the long-term.
The Science Behind Psychedelics and Addiction
The relationship between psychedelics and addiction is also a complex topic. In fact, the mechanisms by which psychedelics might help treat addiction are still being explored.
Despite the limited availability of effective treatments, however, there has been a growing body of evidence indicating the potential benefits of psychedelics in treatment SUDs. This includes LSD, psilocybin, DMT, Mescaline, and ayahuasca. [1]
Here are some of the possible ways psychedelics can help treat drug addiction:
Disrupting Default Mode Network (DMN) Activity
One of the most fascinating discoveries in psychedelic research is the effect these substances have on the brain’s default mode network (DMN). The DMN is active when we’re not focused on the outside world—essentially, when we’re daydreaming, reflecting, or thinking about ourselves.
In many cases of addiction, the DMN becomes overactive, trapping individuals in loops of negative thought patterns, cravings, and compulsive behavior. In fact, certain patterns of functional connectivity in the DMN have been observed across a number of addiction disorders. This has been associated with relapse and craving, which also has something to do with impaired self-awareness and negative emotions. [1]
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD appear to “reset” this network, allowing people to break free from these destructive cycles and see their behavior in a new light. These psychedelic substances may be able to disrupt this pattern, giving addictive individuals an opportunity to free themselves from unhealthy patterns.
Neuroplasticity and Brain Connectivity
Psychedelics have also been shown to increase neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and reorganize itself. Studies show that substances like psilocybin and DMT increase the number of connections between different parts of the brain, helping users gain new perspectives and insights into their behavior. [1]
This enhanced connectivity could be particularly useful in treating addiction, which is often characterized by rigid, habitual patterns of thinking and behavior. By promoting more flexible thinking, psychedelics might enable individuals to reframe their relationship with substances.
The Mystical Experience
Another key element of psychedelic therapy is the so-called mystical experience—a sense of unity, transcendence, or interconnectedness with the universe. These experiences are often profound and life-changing. They may lead individuals to question the meaning of their lives, their relationship with substances, and their goals for the future.
Studies have shown that the intensity of the mystical experience during a psychedelic session correlates with the success of the therapy. Those who experience a deep sense of interconnectedness or insight often report greater reductions in substance use and improvements in mental health. [1]
Breaking the Ego’s Grip
Addiction is often linked to the ego—our sense of self-identity and the stories we tell ourselves. Psychedelics have been described as “ego-dissolving” substances, meaning they temporarily diminish the boundary between self and others. This dissolution of the ego can help people realize that their addiction is not an inherent part of who they are, but rather a behavior or pattern that they can change. [1]
By stepping outside the rigid framework of their addiction, individuals may gain the freedom to choose a different path.
Conclusion: A Cure for Addiction?
While psychedelics offer a promising new avenue for treating addiction, they are not a cure in the traditional sense. Instead, they may be seen as powerful catalysts for change—tools that can help individuals break free from the grip of addiction by offering new perspectives, insights, and experiences.
By disrupting habitual thought patterns, promoting neuroplasticity, and providing transformative, mystical experiences, psychedelics have the potential to help patients reframe their relationship with substances and build a new, healthier future.
However, much more research is needed before psychedelics can become a mainstream treatment for addiction. Regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and the need for trained therapists all pose significant challenges.
But as the psychedelic renaissance continues to unfold, there is growing hope that these ancient substances may offer modern solutions to one of humanity’s most persistent problems. For now, while we wait for these treatments to develop further, there are several evidence-based treatments that already exist that are known to help fight the effects of substance use disorder.
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, look for a rehab facility near you today and learn more about the available programs. Your journey to recovery begins here.
Sources:
[1]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10291338/
[2]: https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/psychedelics/
[3]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592297/
[4]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
[5]: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27441452/
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