In the search to combat excessive alcohol consumption, researchers at University College London (UCL) are turning to a surprising ally. A powerful psychedelic drug known as DMT (dimethyltryptamine). With its roots in ancient South American traditions, DMT is now at the center of an advanced study. Researchers claim that this psychedelic drug could redefine the treatment of people with alcohol addiction.
World’s Largest Study With DMT, Psychedelic Drug
UCL’s Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit leads this innovative study. It is the largest of its kind to date, with funding from Wellcome Leap. The researchers are investigating whether DMT can help reduce heavy drinking by reshaping the brain’s reward system, which alcohol often hijacks, leading to dependency.
The ongoing trial plans to recruit 120 participants who regularly consume alcohol and are seeking to reduce their intake. DMT is known for its intense but short-lived effects. Volunteers are given an intravenous dose of DMT. Unlike other psychedelics that can last for hours, the DMT experience is over in just 15 minutes. This is followed by a brief psychological intervention aimed at reinforcing the drug’s effects.
DMT: From Ceremonial Use to Clinical Trials
DMT is the active ingredient in the Amazonian brew ayahuasca. It has a long history of ceremonial use by indigenous communities in South America.
Traditionally, people use DMT in religious or spiritual events to induce powerful visionary experiences. In its pure form, DMT is one of the most potent psychoactive substances found in nature.
In this remarkable study, DMT is repurposed for a clinical setting, and administered under controlled conditions. This shift from traditional to clinical use reflects a growing interest in psychedelics’ potential to treat various mental health conditions. The conditions include substance overuse disorders.
A Comprehensive Look at Brain Function
What sets this study apart is its comprehensive examination of how DMT affects brain function. Participants undergo two MRI scans while watching a film. These MRIs allow researchers to assess any lasting changes in brain structure or activity. Additionally, researchers conduct an electroencephalography (EEG) scan during the dosing session to monitor brain activity in real-time.
The study’s design includes three groups:
- Receiving DMT
- A placebo, and
- An active control drug – a non-hallucinogenic medication that may influence brain plasticity.
This comparative approach aims to pinpoint DMT’s specific effects on reducing alcohol consumption.
The Power of Neuroplasticity: Brain-Psychedelic Interaction
Central to this research is the concept of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Professor Ravi Das, co-director of UCL’s Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, explains that DMT’s impact on neuroplasticity could help rewire the brain’s reward system, which alcohol often hijacks, leading to addiction. By altering these reward associations, DMT could potentially reduce the urge to drink.
Professor Das draws parallels to his previous research with ketamine, another psychoactive substance. In a study, a single dose of ketamine significantly reduced alcohol cravings and consumption by weakening maladaptive rewarding memories associated with drinking. The current trial with DMT seeks to replicate and enhance these results using a drug that is shorter-acting and, potentially, safer.
Professor Jeremy Skipper, joint lead of the study, emphasizes the importance of understanding the precise mechanisms through which psychedelics like DMT exert their effects. He notes that while there is significant excitement around psychedelics in mental health treatment, there remains a gap in understanding their exact impact on the brain. This study’s detailed brain imaging aims to fill that gap, providing crucial insights into how DMT interacts with brain function.
Challenging the Stigma Around Psychedelics
The trial’s potential success could have broader implications beyond treating alcohol dependency. Dr. Greg Cooper, also from UCL’s Psychology & Language Sciences, hopes that the study will contribute to changing the perception of psychedelics. Despite being classified as ‘Class A’ drugs, substances like DMT could offer safe and effective treatments for mental health disorders if used correctly. The findings from this study could support evidence-based policy changes, making these treatments more accessible to those in need.
The exploration of DMT as a treatment for heavy drinking represents a broader shift in societal attitudes toward psychedelics. Traditionally, people viewed these substances through the lens of recreational misuse and strict regulation, but now researchers are reconsidering their therapeutic potential. The research, if successful, could mark a significant step in integrating psychedelics into mainstream medical practices.
Conclusion: Hope on the Horizon
While it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions, this study offers a hopeful glimpse into a new frontier for treating alcohol dependency. By targeting the brain’s plasticity and addressing the psychological roots of addiction, DMT could become a powerful tool in the fight against excessive drinking.
As research unfolds, it may not only help individuals regain control over their lives but also challenge and reshape societal views on the therapeutic use of psychedelics. This pioneering research paves the way for a future where we recognize psychedelics not as dangerous substances but as powerful allies in improving mental health and well-being.
