Ruairi J MacKenzie, writing for Technology Networks:
Substance use disorders have a debilitating impact on the wellbeing of individuals and their families. Like many other mental health disorders, these conditions have proved stubbornly resistant to treatment. The potential of psychedelic compounds to treat substance use disorders has led Canadian R&D company Entheon Biomedical to investigate the therapeutic use of the psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The company has commissioned a clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of intravenous DMT. Technology Networks spoke to Entheon’s CEO, Timothy Ko, to find out more.
Could DMT be helpful for treating substance use disorders? Perhaps, although again I think a longer-lasting classical psychedelic drug such as psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, or LSD would have a better chance for this particular application. But I’ll hold my final judgment until we have some solid scientific evidence indicating one way or another.