Treatment of Chronic Alcoholism with Lysergic Acid Diethylamide *

Abstract

In this paper we have described some aspects of the LSD-25 treatment given to alcoholics in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. The three main therapeutic reactions discussed are (1) abreaction, (2) the transcendental experience and (3) break-down of inappropriate defence mechanisms. Some case histories are given to illustrate these therapeutic reactions and to give an idea of the kind of person who can be helped by this type of therapy. Some results of the work done at Weyburn are quoted and it is considered that they are quite encouraging. It is stressed that although only the LSD-25 therapy is discussed here, the total therapeutic situation contributed to the results.