Psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and post-traumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans

Background & aims: Special Operations Forces Veterans (SOFV) have unique treatment needs stemming from multiple repeated forms of combat exposure resulting in a complex sequela of problems including alcohol misuse and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Current approved pharmacologic treatments for alcohol misuse and PTSD are lacking in adherence and efficacy, warranting novel treatment develop-ment. The current study examined the correlations between psychedelic treatment and changes in alcohol misuse among trauma exposed United States SOFV. Method: An anonymous internet-based survey was conducted among SOFV who completed a specific psychedelic clinical program in Mexico. Retrospective questions probed alcohol use and post-traumatic stress symptoms during the 30-days before and 30-days after the psychedelic treatment. A total of 65 SOFV completed treatment and were eligible for contact. Of these, 51 (78%) completed the survey, and 27 (42%) reported alcohol misuse (>= 4 on the AUDIT-C) in the 30 days prior to treatment and were included in analyses (Mean Age = 40; male = 96%; Caucasian/White = 96%). Results: There were significant and very large reductions in retro-spective reports of alcohol use (P < 0.001; d = -2.4) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (P < 0.001; d = -2.8) and a significant and large increase in psychological flexibility (P < 0.001; d = -1.8), from before -to-after the psychedelic treatment. In the 30 days after treatment, 85% reduced their alcohol con-sumption to non-risky levels (33% abstinent; 52% non-risky drinking). Increases in psychological flex-ibility were strongly associated with reductions in alcohol use and post-traumatic stress symptoms (rs range 0.38-0.90; ps < 0.05). Conclusion: Rigorous longitudinal studies should be conducted to determine whether psychedelic-assisted therapy holds promise as an intervention in this population.

Automated summary

The study found that psychedelic treatment led to significant reductions in alcohol use and post-traumatic stress symptoms among Special Operations Forces Veterans. It also resulted in a significant increase in psychological flexibility. Most participants reduced their alcohol consumption to non-risky levels after treatment, with improvements in psychological flexibility strongly associated with reduced alcohol use and PTSD symptoms. Rigorous longitudinal studies are needed to determine the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy as an intervention in this population.