UCL Trials Psychedelic DMT as Breakthrough Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
A groundbreaking study at University College London (UCL) is exploring the
potential of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychedelic, to help
individuals reduce problematic alcohol consumption. DMT, the active compound
in ayahuasca—a hallucinogenic brew used for centuries by Indigenous groups
in the Amazon—is being tested in what scientists hope could become a novel
approach to tackling alcohol misuse.
The study, led by Professors Ravi Das and Jeremy Skipper, aims to address the limitations of current treatments for alcohol addiction, which often see high relapse rates. “Traditional treatments haven’t fundamentally changed in decades, leaving a significant gap in effective therapies,” said Prof Das.
Volunteers in the trial receive a one-time intravenous dose of DMT, producing intense yet brief effects, including out-of-body experiences and vivid hallucinations. The study involves 120 participants, making it the largest brain imaging research of its kind for psychedelics. A control group receives a placebo or non-hallucinogenic alternative, and participants’ responses are monitored through MRI scans and behavioral tracking over nine months.
The team is investigating whether DMT can disrupt alcohol-related reward memories, which are believed to drive excessive drinking. Volunteers are shown alcohol-related film clips during their sessions, and researchers hypothesize that the psychedelic experience may help rewire the brain’s reward pathways.
While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the researchers suggest that the novel and profound nature of the psychedelic experience could serve as a catalyst for change. “Participants often find the experience transformative, even if not something they’d pursue recreationally,” noted Dr. Greg Cooper, a research fellow on the project.
Building on earlier research where ketamine showed promise in disrupting harmful behaviors, the team highlights DMT’s shorter duration and potential safety advantages. However, they caution against self-administration, emphasizing the need for clinical supervision due to the precise dosing and potent effects of psychedelics.
If successful, this trial could lead to larger clinical studies and potentially a new tool for addressing alcohol addiction. “Despite perceptions that younger generations drink less, problematic alcohol use continues to rise globally. Innovative approaches like this are urgently needed,” added Prof Das.
The study is actively recruiting volunteers aged 21 to 65 who regularly consume alcohol but have not been formally diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder.
This research marks a significant step toward exploring the medical potential of psychedelics, offering new hope for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
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