Trippy Study Suggests LSD May Cure Alcoholism

Get ready for a trip: Norwegian scientists may have just confirmed that LSD is effective in the treatment of alcoholics.

By revisiting a study that was done in the US and Canada between 1966 and 1970 (when LSD was legal), researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology believe that because of what they see as "clear and consistent results" in the alcoholics treated with the drug, this decades-old study may hold to key to the cure.

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In the earlier study, 536 alcoholics were given either a small dose of acid or a placebo. According to The Week,

"Of the 325 alcoholics given a full does of LSD — 210 to 800 micrograms — 59 percent showed clear improvement, including lower incidents of relapse and higher rates of staying dry. For the other group, which got either a placebo or lower dose of acid — 25 or 50 micrograms — only 38 percent showed notable improvement. Surprisingly, the sobering effect of the LSD lasted for at least six months before fading, suggesting that regular doses might effectively cure alcoholism."

Though scientists still aren't sure how exactly LSD works to stop compulsive drinking, Neuroscientist Teri Krebs, who is one of the researchers behind the study, explained:

"[It] generally seems to open an individual to an awareness of new perspectives and opportunities for action."

Treating alcoholism with LSD poses dangers to the patients (and is currently illegal), and BBC outlines some of the risks HERE. But despite possible bad trips, Pål-Ørjan Johansen, who is another one of the study's researchers, believes that this treatment option is worth pursuing.