Key clinical point: “Some people have really profound psychological experiences that shift the way they think about themselves and the way alcohol is affecting their relationships.”

Major finding: The 30 or so patients who had significant mystical experiences reported a smaller percentage of drinking days at week 12 than those who did not (19% vs. 40%; P less than .05), with fewer drinks per drinking day (2.63 vs. 7.01, P less than .01); and lower craving (8.43 vs. 13.86 points on 30-point Penn Alcohol Craving Scale, P less than .01).

Study details: The first 56 subjects in an ongoing trial.

Disclosures: The work is being funded by the Heffter Research Institute. Dr. O’Donnell had no disclosures.