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8 papers
This report describes 33 open-label treatments with the alkaloid ibogaine given for acute heroin withdrawal in non-medical settings. In 25 of the 33 people, visible signs of opioid withdrawal stopped within 24 hours and stayed absent during 72 hours of observation. The authors note the results are from uncontrolled, non-clinical…
This study demonstrated that treatment with three infusions of ketamine was well tolerated in patients with alcohol use disorder and was associated with more days of abstinence from alcohol at 6-month follow-up. The findings suggest a possible beneficial effect of adding psychological therapy alongside ketamine treatment.
This 2018 review looked at animal and human studies of ketamine as a possible treatment for addiction. Early findings are promising: some studies found ketamine helped people stay abstinent from alcohol and heroin and reduced cocaine craving and use. However, the authors say the research is still new, many studies…
This review says that the main active part of cannabis, THC, acts at the brain's CB1 receptor to produce rewarding effects, reinforce smoking, and can lead to dependence and withdrawal. Evidence comes from animal and human studies. Higher THC strength raises blood THC levels and may raise the chance of…
Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) is a clinical model for working with people who use or are thinking about using psychedelics. It blends harm-reduction therapy with methods from psychedelic-assisted therapy, can be used in short or ongoing psychotherapy, and aims to be compassionate and non-stigmatizing rather than focused only…
Ibogaine is a psychoactive chemical from a West African shrub that some clinics use to help people stop using opioids or stimulants. Small studies, animal research, and many personal reports say a single high dose can cut opioid withdrawal and reduce cravings. For example, one study found 50% of participants…
A descriptive open-label observational study of ibogaine in people with opioid use disorder found the drug can produce clear but reversible heart and nervous-system side effects. Reported effects included QTc prolongation (a change in the heart’s electrical timing), slow heart rate (bradycardia), and severe problems with balance and coordination (ataxia).…
