Kevin Murnane is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center – Shreveport. He also serves as the Director of Basic Sciences Research for the Louisiana Addiction Research Center. His research group is focused on the etiology and treatment of disorders of the central nervous system. Areas of special emphasis include substance use disorders, comorbid mood changes and neurocognitive impairments, as well as neurodegenerative decline following exposure to misused substances. Key lines of research focus on the relationships between natural products, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and brain monoamine systems that are associated with mood, motivation, and cognition, with specific investigation of psychedelics, cannabinoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and neuropeptides.

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Exploring the Potential of Psychedelics as a Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction remains a significant global health crisis, with limited effective treatment options available. Recent research has suggested that psychedelics may offer a novel therapeutic approach to substance use disorders. In particular, there is growing interest in their potential to treat methamphetamine addiction. This study aimed to investigate the potential of psychedelics in treating methamphetamine addiction through a combination of preclinical self-administration studies, receptor pharmacology research, and early human clinical trials.

We conducted a series of preclinical self-administration studies using animal models to assess the effects of psychedelics on methamphetamine use. Rodents were trained to self-administer methamphetamine, and then exposed to psychedelics to determine their ability to reduce drug-taking behavior. Additionally, receptor pharmacology studies were conducted to examine the role of serotonin receptors in the response to psychedelics. Retrospective human research was also conducted to assess the relationship between self-reported psychedelic use and measures of resistance to methamphetamine taking.

The preclinical studies demonstrated that psychedelics significantly reduced methamphetamine self-administration, suggesting that they can mitigate drug-taking behaviors. Receptor pharmacology studies indicated the involvement of multiple serotonin receptors. Self-reported psychedelic use was associated with improved outcomes compared to matched methamphetamine users.

Our findings provide compelling evidence that psychedelics have significant potential as therapeutic agents for methamphetamine addiction. These studies underscore the need for continued investigation into the potential of psychedelics as a treatment for methamphetamine addiction, offering hope for those affected by this challenging disorder.