An Early Exploration into Individuals in Treatment Who Co-Use Alcohol and Hallucinogens

Abstract

There is renewed interest in the therapeutic properties of hallucinogens in the treatment of psychiatric disorders including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Interestingly, however, there is little data regarding the comorbid use of hallucinogens and alcohol among persons with AUD. The paucity of such data constrains both scientific interpretation and treatment development. This analysis, which utilizes data collected from individuals seeking treatment in facilities across North Central Florida, aims to address this gap by examining the use of hallucinogens among individuals seeking treatment for problems with alcohol. Further, by focusing on use patterns among those who report recent and regular use of both alcohol and hallucinogens, this analysis describes correlates with potential clinical utility.

Analyses revealed that recent and regular users of hallucinogens and alcohol were significantly younger than those in treatment who did not use hallucinogens (p <0.001). Additionally, treatment seekers who reported regular use experienced more negative life consequences than those who were not regular users (p <0.01). Results suggest that trends in age and drug consequences may contain valuable information to inform treatment modalities, risk prevention strategies, and general scientific knowledge with the help of future investigations.