From Taboo to Treatment: The Emergence of Psychedelics in the Management
of Pain and Opioid Use Disorder
Abstract
The rise of psychedelics in contemporary medicine has sparked interest
in their potential therapeutic applications. While traditionally
associated with countercultural movements and recreational use, recent
research has shed light on the potential benefits of psychedelics in
various mental health conditions. In this review, we explore the
emerging role of psychedelics in the management of chronic pain and
opioid use disorder (OUD), two critical areas in need of innovative
treatment options. Pain control remains a significant clinical
challenge, particularly for individuals with OUD and those who receive
long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) who develop marked tolerance to
opioid-induced analgesia. Despite the magnitude of this problem, there
is a scarcity of controlled studies investigating pain management
alternatives for these populations. Drawing from preclinical and human
evidence, we highlight the potential of psychedelics to act on shared
neurobiological substrates of chronic pain and opioid use disorder,
potentially reversing pain- and opioid-induced neuroadaptations, such as
central sensitization. We elaborate on the multifaceted dimensions of
the pain experience (sensory, affective, and cognitive) and their
intersections that overlap with opioid-related phenomena (opioid craving
and withdrawal), hypothesizing how these processes can be modulated by
psychedelics. After summarizing the available clinical research, we
propose mechanistic insights and methodological considerations for the
design of future translational studies and clinical trials, building on
a shared clinical and neurobiological understanding of chronic pain and
OUD. Our intention is to provide timely perspectives that accelerate the
development and exploration of novel therapeutics for chronic pain and
OUD amidst the escalating opioid crisis.