Can Psilocybin (Shrooms) Cure Alcoholism?

Psilocybin, also known as “shrooms,” is a natural psychedelic that may be effective for the treatment of alcohol use disorder when combined with behavioral therapy.

That’s according to a 2022 study published in JAMA Psychiatry, led by researchers at the NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine.

Since the 2022 NYU Langone findings, additional studies and meta-analyses have continued to support psilocybin-assisted therapy as a promising intervention for alcohol use disorder, with larger clinical trials currently underway.

Does that make psilocybin a “cure” for alcohol addiction? Not necessarily. But research shows it may serve as an effective treatment when combined with traditional alcohol addiction treatments.

Is Psilocybin Effective For Alcoholism?

Researchers have found that taking psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, has helped people who were drinking heavily reduce their drinking levels or quit alcohol altogether.

A 2022 study found, for instance, that giving participants with alcoholism psilocybin-assisted therapy helped decrease their number of heavy drinking days by 83 percent.

In contrast, that same study found that taking an antihistamine placebo, instead of shrooms, led to just a 51 percent reduction in heavy alcohol consumption among participants.

What Is Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?

This treatment involves taking doses of psilocybin under the supervision of a licensed psychotherapist, and undergoing psilocybin mushroom “trips”.

In addition to taking psilocybin, patients also attend psychotherapy sessions. For instance, cognitive behavioral or motivational therapies.

How Does Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Work?

Psilocybin is a natural, hallucinogenic chemical that’s found in certain mushrooms. It’s one of several psychedelic drugs, including LSD, that has shown promise in treating alcohol dependence.

According to psychedelics research, the mechanism of psychedelic treatment for alcohol use disorder is unclear. However, it’s believed to be linked to the effects of psychedelics on the brain.

What Are The Effects Of Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a classic hallucinogen that activates serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a brain chemical that’s involved in the regulation of mood, perception, and cognition.

Although psilocybin is classified as a hallucinogenic drug, it does not always cause visual or auditory hallucinations for those who take it. But it can have other mind-altering effects.

Oregon became the first state to legalize regulated therapeutic psilocybin use in 2023, with licensed service centers beginning to operate. Colorado passed a similar measure in 2022, with implementation underway.

Several other cities and states have decriminalized possession. The federal Schedule I classification remains in place, but state-level access to supervised psilocybin therapy is now a reality in some parts of the country.

Common short-term effects of psilocybin might include:

• euphoria
• altered perception of time and space
• peacefulness
• visual distortions (e.g., seeing halos of light or vivid colors)
• impaired coordination
• drowsiness
• positive mood
• dilated pupils
• faster heart rate
• increased body temperature
• nausea

Is Psilocybin Legal?

Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S. That means it is illegal for use in the U.S. in most contexts.

However, there is a push to legalize psychedelics, some of which are being studied as potential treatments for substance use disorders and mental health disorders, like trauma and depression.

What Are The Benefits Of Alcoholism Treatment?

Alcoholism affects millions of Americans. This condition can pose severe risks to physical health, mental health, and affect your quality of life.

Most alcohol treatment programs offer traditional treatments such as detox, individual counseling, FDA-approved medications for AUD, and support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous).

Alcohol addiction treatment is broadly designed to help you heal physically, as well as psychologically.

Goals of alcohol addiction treatment include:

• overcoming alcohol dependence
• reducing alcohol cravings
• teaching supportive coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties
• identifying triggers
• teaching skills development
• relapse prevention

Where Can I Find Psilocybin Treatment For Alcoholism?

Psilocybin and other substances being studied for addiction treatment, including ketamine, MDMA, and LSD, are undergoing clinical trials. Experts are also considering the potential side effects and risks.

As such, they have not yet secured approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which is necessary for treatment providers to prescribe and offer this treatment.

However, the FDA has granted psilocybin Breakthrough Therapy designation for both treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, which expedites its path through the regulatory review process. Clinical trials are ongoing.

Risks Of Psilocybin

Psilocybin-assisted therapy is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally contraindicated for people with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder with psychotic features. Even in supervised settings, participants may experience anxiety, confusion, or psychological distress.

Find Treatment For Alcoholism Today

Many treatment options exist in the U.S. for alcohol use disorder and addiction beyond psychedelics. If you or a loved one is facing a drinking problem, you have options.

To find the best alcohol treatment program near you that’s capable of meeting your needs, call our helpline today to learn more about available treatment options.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff