Scientists suggest LSD could help cure alcoholism

A group of scientists have said that alcoholics may see a massive benefit from taking the psychedelic drug LSD as it could help them to overcome relapses.

Scientists suggest that the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), along with counselling, could help alcoholics to kick the bottle to the gutter once and for all.

According to the Irish Independent, Teri Krebs and Pal-Orjan Johansen, who performed research at the Harvard Medical School in the US, examined a number of studies previously carried out on the topic.

During the 60’s and 70’s, quite a bit of medical research used LSD to study its affects on a host of different ailments such as alcoholism and even psychopathy. The researchers found that with the alcoholism studies, the use of LSD led to some success.

Looking through past studies, the scientists found evidence of a clear and beneficial effect when treating alcoholism with a low dose of LSD.

The scientists looked at over 500 participants who took part in the trials and found that 59 per cent of LSD patients had experienced some from of improvement compared to only 38 per cent of the control group.

The researchers said, "It was rather common for patients to claim significant insights into their problems, to feel that they had been given a new lease on life, and to make a strong resolution to discontinue their drinking."

"Given the evidence for a beneficial effect of LSD on alcoholism, it is puzzling why this treatment approach has been largely overlooked."

We agree with the scientists. We can’t see a single reason why LSD isn’t being handed out to every drunk who walks into a chemist. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to catch the big pink elephant before he leaves for the moon.