Abstract:

Being one of the well noted behavioral addictions, gambling disorder poses complex treatment challenges due to the nature of the serious and recurring nature of problem gambling behavior among the victims. As far as conventional treatment options (e.g. cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacological interventions) are concerned, their efficiency is mixed, and relapse rates remain high, and long-term success is low. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a potentially effective method of alternative treatment of different mental conditions, such as depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders, which has recently attracted attention. This abstract identifies the possible use of psychedelic drugs otherwise known as psychedelics in the treatment of gambling disorder through psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine drugs. When used in a controlled therapeutic environment, these substances have been demonstrated to be able to augment emotional processing, broaden cognitive flexibility, as well as experienced deep psychological insights. These effects can work directly on the habitual tendency and mood imbalances commonly present in the gambling-addict. Research and real-life examples taken in early stages indicate that psychedelic-assisted treatment may be used to break adaptive patterns and lead to long-term recovery. Yet, rigorous clinical trials and ethical models are required in order to validate safety, efficacy and long-term results. It is the author of this paper that requests the research agenda to examine the therapeutic promise of psychedelics in behavioral addictions with the focus on the gambling disorder and that underlines the need to transition these new therapies into evidence-based and regulated healthcare systems.

Authors: Dr. Helena Costa¹, Dr. Ricardo Lopes²

Vol.3(2); Pages:1-10. Published on October 2025