Psychotherapy with hallucinogenic adjuncts from a learning perspective.

A number of well-controlled studies have indicated that hallucinogen-assisted psychotherapy is both safe and effective. Following an historical overview, psycholytic and psychedelic therapy approaches are reviewed in terms of rationale, technique, applications, and outcomes. A new theoretical approach stemming from a learning orientation is offered as a conceptual basis for beneficial use of hallucinogens in psychotherapy. As a technology, the hallucinogens have not yet found acceptance as a useful therapeutic adjunct in the United States.