Mini-review: The neurobiology of treating substance use disorders with classical psychedelics

The potential of psychedelics to persistently treat substance use disorders is known since the 1960s. However, the biological mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic effects have not yet been fully elucidated. While it is known that serotonergic hallucinogens induce changes in gene expression and neuroplasticity, particularly in prefrontal regions, theories on how specifically this counteracts the alterations that occur in neuronal circuitry throughout the course of addiction are largely unknown. This narrative mini-review endeavors to synthesize well-established knowledge from addiction research with findings and theories regarding the neurobiological effects of psychedelics to give an overview of the potential mechanisms that underlie the treatment of substance use disorders with classical hallucinogenic compounds and point out gaps in the current understanding.

Automated summary

The potential of psychedelics to persistently treat substance use disorders has been known since the 1960s, but the biological mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic effects are not fully understood. While the changes in gene expression and neuroplasticity induced by serotonergic hallucinogens are known, theories on how they counteract the neuronal circuitry alterations that occur in addiction are largely unknown. This narrative mini-review synthesizes established knowledge from addiction research with findings and theories on the neurobiological effects of psychedelics to give an overview of the potential mechanisms underlying the treatment of substance use disorders.