Erowid References Database
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Chwelos N, Blewett DB, Smith CM, Hoffer A.
“Use of d-lysergic acid diethylamide in the treatment of alcoholism”.
Quart. J. Stud. Alcohol. 1959;20:577.
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Abstract
One group of 24 alcoholics with an extremely unfavorable prognosis (8 patients with character disorders, 12 psychopaths and 4 with borderline or actual psychoses) and an additional group of 16 patients (with similar diagnosis but less severely ill) were treated with a single oral dose of 200-400 mcg. LSD. In the latter group the "modified method" was used, where the environment surrounding the patient was changed by addition of auditory, visual and emotional stimuli and a change in the attitude of the people in contact with the patient. If LSD had no effect, a large dose of mescaline was used to obtain a response. Two patients did not respond to LSD and one patient not to mescaline. . The follow-up in group I was 18 months and in group II 6 months. In group I: 6 cases were much improved (complete abstinence), 6 improved (reduction in alcohol intake) and 12 unchanged. In group II: 10 cases were much improved, 5 improved and 1 unchanged. The results were dependent on the patients' attitude, the effect of the drug and the environment during the experience. Patients with character disorders gave the best results. The roof of the therapeutic value of the LSD experience is its potential for producing self-acceptance and self-surrender. . Side effects: varying degrees or tension for depression during the experience and nausea. (See 593)
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