Addiction is common in the UK and much of the world, but the available treatment options often fall short in providing long-term recovery. 

Put simply, conventional addiction treatments don’t work. 

However, a recent study has shed light on the potential of using psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, as a promising tool to address alcohol addiction (medically known as Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD). 

The study discovered that psilocybin-assisted therapy not only reduced alcohol cravings but also diminished shame-based thought patterns, offering a glimmer of hope for individuals struggling with AUD and other addictions.

Psychological impact

The study focused on the psychological changes during a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for AUD. The aim was to learn more about the widely reported transformative effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy. 

Previous research had already demonstrated the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy, with significant reductions in both drinking frequency and heavy drinking days reported immediately after the administration of psilocybin.

But now researchers are trying to find out how psilocybin exerts its anti-addiction effects. 

Participants' experiences

To delve deeper into the subjective experiences of participants, the researchers conducted interviews with individuals who had taken part in the trial. 

The interviews explored various aspects, including the participants' drinking habits before and after the study, coping mechanisms employed to manage emotional stress, and the impact of stigma associated with AUD and participation in a psychedelic intervention.

The study revealed a prevalent theme among participants: the adoption of destructive coping strategies throughout their lives to suppress uncomfortable emotions. 

Many participants admitted to turning to alcohol as a means of managing these feelings. However, the psilocybin treatment provided a unique opportunity for individuals to process and confront the emotions tied to past painful experiences. 

This emotional processing, in turn, led to increased self-compassion, self-awareness, and a heightened sense of interconnectedness. 

Participants also reported a newfound sense of belonging, which positively impacted their relationships.

The potential of psychedelic therapy

The findings of this study add a critical layer of understanding to the clinical research on psychedelic therapy. 

By exploring the lived experiences of the participants, the study offers valuable insights for future clinicians and sheds light on the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy as a transformative tool for individuals with addiction.

"Qualitative research gives us a direct understanding of the lived experience of psychedelic therapy clinical trial participants, from their perspective and in their own words,” explained Elizabeth Nielson, co-author of the study.

“This study complements existing quantitative clinical research, adding detail and nuance to the picture of how the treatment unfolded and what future clinicians might encounter in their work with patients." 

Path to recovery

With the limitations of traditional treatment approaches, the use of psilocybin and psychedelic therapy provides a glimmer of hope for individuals battling AUD and other addictions. 

By addressing the underlying shame-based thought patterns and offering a new perspective on self-compassion, psilocybin-assisted therapy has the potential to be a powerful and unique tool in the recovery journey.

As research in this field continues to unfold, the results are promising, demonstrating the potential of psilocybin to provide long-lasting positive outcomes for individuals with addiction.

These findings open doors to a new frontier in mental health treatment, offering hope and healing to those in need.

Source: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-79466-001

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