Use of d-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in the Treatment of Alcoholism

The Use of LSD-25 in the Treatment of Alcoholism and Other Psychiatric Problems
By Maclean JR, Macdonald DC, Byrne UP, Hubbard AM
Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 1961

Reviewed by Alex Pearlstein

Abstract:
A report has been presented on the therapeutic effects of LSD in 100 patients- 61 alcoholics with poor prognosis, and 39 nonalcoholics with other psychiatric disabilities. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 18 months. . A professional therapeutic group included a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse and music therapist. LSD was given in a dosage of 400 to 1500 mcg. and the psychiatrist explained the functions of the group and the implications of the LSD experience. The patient's questions were answered by the group and a complete transcript was kept by one of the therapists. As the effect of LSD began to subside, the patient returned to his room and a counselor trained in therapy remained with him until bedtime. Before discharge the next day, the patient was interviewed by the psychiatrist and asked to give a written account and assessment of his experience with LSD. The Blewett scale was used. The results of treatment, as recorded, showed that 30 of the alcoholics and 22 of the other psychiatric patients were much improved; an additional 16 of the alcoholics and 13 of the others, respectively, showed some improvement. The results were best in the alcoholics without complications, in alcoholism with personality trait disturbance, and in the nonalcoholics with personality trait disturbance or anxiety reaction neurosis. Other diagnostic categories were not studied in sufficient numbers to permit drawing of inferences. . It was concluded that LSD, used with the described treatment method, is effective in the treatment of alcoholism and the psychiatric disabilities categorized as anxiety reaction neurosis and personality trait disturbances.

Review:
This paper begins with a great statement. It declares that throughout recorded history man has searched for chemicals that will help him to better understand himself. It also states that thanks to LSD-25, we can implement controlled programs of psychedelic therapy and research. The paper itself is a review of the past 100 cases in which LSD-25 was incorporated into the therapy. This paper is a great example of the best methodology for the implementation of LSD therapy that I have read to date.

The fact that this is not based upon a specific case, gives the paper the ability to explain the evolution of the process and what they have found to be the most beneficial process. It describes how they prepare for the therapy and how specific personalities are chosen for the group therapy. They are chosen to compliment aspects of their personalities in the others. I would consider this paper more of a formula for the perfect therapeutic psychedelic experience. This paper covers topics such as; Setting and Equipment, Dosage, Administration, Procedure, and Evaluation. Detailed results of four cases are reported, covering the range from No Change to Much Improved.

The Procedure section of this paper takes delicate care to document how to properly execute LSD therapy as well as, what are important items to document for later aspects of the therapy. It highlights what is important data for later review by both the therapist as well as the patient. There is a sample included as well to demonstrate what data to focus on and how to document it clearly and later use.

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