Psychedelic Therapy Utilizing LSD in the Treatment of the Alcoholic Patient: A Preliminary Report
ALBERT A. KURLAND M.D.1,
SANFORD UNGER PH.D.2,
JOHN W. SHAFFER PH.D.3, , and
CHARLES SAVAGE M.D.4
1 Director of Research, State of Maryland Department of Mental Hygiene, 301 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, Md. 21201
2 Chief Therapist, Psychedelic Therapy Research Program, Spring Grove State Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
3 Chief of Behavioral Sciences, Friends of Psychiatric Research, Inc., Baltimore, Md.
4 Director of Research, Spring Grove State Hospital
The rationale of psychedelic therapy with alcoholic patients is focused on the alienation-breaking potential of "peak" or psychedelic experiences induced with the aid of LSD. An exemplary LSD session report and MMPI data on 69 pilot patients are presented for illustration. While all present results indicate that psychedelic therapy does add significantly to presently available alcoholic rehabilitation resources, it is emphasized that safe and effective use of LSD requires specialized training.
