APC: Psychedelic Facilitated Psychotherapy for Addiction-Potential Mechanisms

Potential Mechanisms - Psychedelics for SUDs_Rieser_2021

Pdf Summary

Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise as a treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) by targeting various mechanisms that underlie addiction. One potential mechanism is induced neuroplasticity, where psychedelics may facilitate learning and behavioral change. Another potential mechanism is alterations in brain network connectivity, leading to novel insights and problem solving. Psychedelics may also impact emotion processing by reducing negative affect and enhancing empathy. Additionally, psychedelics increase social connectedness, which is beneficial for SUD patients who often experience social isolation. The subjective experiences and personal meaning of the psychedelic experience may also promote self-efficacy and motivation to change. Therapeutic implications include optimizing the timing and content of psychotherapy sessions and leveraging the neuroplastic effects of psychedelics. Targeted approaches combining psychedelics with psychotherapeutic interventions may enhance treatment outcomes. The acute and post-acute effects of psychedelics alter connectivity between brain regions, potentially leading to beneficial clinical outcomes. Psychedelics also decrease the neural response to negative stimuli, provide an opportunity to process negative emotions and memories, and reduce craving. Increased emotional empathy induced by psychedelics can benefit treatment by improving social connections. The personal meaning and insight gained from psychedelic experiences can also lead to changes in behavior and self-awareness. The optimal dose and dosing regimen for psychedelic-assisted therapy require further investigation. Understanding the mechanisms of action and optimizing psychotherapeutic interventions are critical for achieving maximal treatment effects for SUD. By combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, psychedelic-assisted therapy has the potential to become an evidence-based treatment approach for SUD.

Keywords

Psychedelic-assisted therapy

substance use disorders

neuroplasticity

addiction

brain network connectivity

emotion processing

social connectedness

self-efficacy

psychotherapeutic interventions

evidence-based treatment