Psychedelic Journal Watch

I. The Neurobiology of Psychedelics for Substance Use Disorders

In this scoping review, researchers analyzed particular neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of psychedelics for substance use disorders.

Based on preliminary evidence, psilocybin may restore homeostasis of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) (the reward center of the brain that plays a critical role in addiction). This may be one of the underlying mechanisms by which classic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, treat substance use disorders. 

According to the authors, “While many questions remain, growing evidence from both animal and human studies has begun to clarify the neurobiological mechanisms through which psychedelics exert their effects. In this paper, we described ongoing clinical trials investigating psychedelics for SUDs, explored how these compounds may act within a neurobiological framework of addiction and proposed dopamine restoration via sustained, low-level stimulation in the NAc as a potential mechanism of action.”

Read the full article here.

II. Microdosing LSD for Pain?

In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, participants received either 15 micrograms (µg) of LSD or placebo and measures of pain were assessed.

LSD did not lead to any reduction in pain measures. 

According to the authors, “the present study provided no evidence for analgesic effects of 15 µg LSD. … Future research … with higher doses is recommended to further elucidate LSD’s analgesic effects and its application in clinical settings.”

Read the full article here.

In this scoping review of 19 studies, the literature on antidepressant use during psychedelic sessions was summarized. 

Use of antidepressants with classic psychedelics (such as psilocybin) is safe and well tolerated, with no increased risk of serotonin syndrome. And discontinuing antidepressants prior to psychedelic use can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. 

According to the authors, “While some evidence indicates a potential attenuation of acute subjective psychedelic effects, this was not observed in all studies. Accordingly, we conclude that the use of ADs can be maintained to enhance patient access to psychedelic treatments and avoid the risk of AD discontinuation syndrome.”

Read the full article here.

Psychedelics became central to the 1960s counterculture movement, with figures like Ken Kesey (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) and Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) promoting psychedelic drug use. 

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