Abstract
At a glance
This perspective evaluates current evidence around psychedelic-assisted approaches for alcohol use disorder. It argues for careful interpretation of early findings and for stronger clinical data before broad therapeutic conclusions are drawn.
Author information
Authors: Kenneth Blum, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Morgan P. Lorio, and colleagues
Affiliation: Author affiliations available in the published article.
Evidence and enthusiasm
Interest in psychedelic-assisted treatment has grown faster than the clinical evidence supporting routine use for alcohol use disorder. Early signals should be separated from claims of established effectiveness.
Small samples, varied treatment settings, and differences in psychological support make results difficult to compare directly.
A threshold for clinical confidence
A promising mechanism is not enough. Safety, durability, patient selection, comparator treatments, and real-world delivery all need rigorous evaluation.
Clinical communication should make uncertainty visible so that hope does not become a substitute for evidence.
A more useful research agenda
Larger controlled trials and consistent outcome measures can clarify which patients, if any, benefit and under what conditions.
Future work should also compare psychedelic-assisted models with established treatments rather than evaluating them in isolation.
References
The complete reference list remains available in the authoritative published PDF.
Open reference list in PDFHow to cite
Blum, K., et al. (2026). Can psychedelics help with Alcohol Use Disorder? Science Academique, 7(1), 27–48.
