How Psilocybin Mushrooms Can Help With Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a major public health issue, with the World Health Organization estimating that 5.3% of deaths annually are due to alcohol use. Traditional treatment methods, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and pharmaceutical interventions, have had limited success in fully addressing the root causes of alcohol dependence. 

However, recent studies suggest that psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, may offer a groundbreaking alternative.

The Historical Connection Between Psychedelics and Alcoholism

One of the earliest proponents of using psychedelics to treat alcoholism was Bill Wilson, the founder of AA. In 1956, he experimented with LSD and became convinced that psychedelics could play a crucial role in helping alcoholics achieve lasting recovery. However, this idea was largely rejected by the mainstream recovery community at the time. Now, decades later, research is finally catching up, revealing that psilocybin-assisted therapy may be a powerful tool in treating alcohol addiction.

Addiction, including alcoholism, often stems from unresolved emotional trauma. Many individuals turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate their distress, leading to a cycle of dependency. Without addressing these underlying psychological wounds, many people struggle to maintain sobriety and may even engage in “vice swapping”—replacing one addiction with another.

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned addiction specialist, has extensively studied the connection between trauma and substance abuse. His work suggests that lasting recovery requires deep emotional healing, something that psilocybin therapy may facilitate.

Can you consume magic mushrooms with Alcohol?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Historically, indigenous cultures have used these mushrooms for spiritual and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. However, due to its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, psilocybin has been largely inaccessible for medical research and treatment until recently.

Unlike alcohol and other addictive substances, psilocybin does not appear to lead to dependency. Instead, it has been found to induce profound psychological experiences, often described as mystical or transformative, which may help individuals address deep-rooted emotional and behavioral issues, including substance abuse.

Combining magic mushrooms (psilocybin) with alcohol is generally not recommended due to the potential for unpredictable and intensified effects. Here’s a breakdown of the risks:

Unpredictable Interactions:

• Both substances alter brain chemistry, and their combined effect can be highly variable, leading to unexpected and potentially unpleasant experiences.
• Alcohol can amplify the psychological effects of psilocybin, increasing the risk of anxiety, panic attacks, or “bad trips.”

Increased Side Effects:

• Both substances can cause nausea, and combining them may worsen this effect.
• Alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, which, combined with the altered perception caused by psilocybin, can increase the risk of accidents and risky behavior.
• It can also amplify negative emotions.

Potential for Dehydration:

• Both alcohol and psilocybin can contribute to dehydration, which can lead to further discomfort.

Increased Cardiovascular Strain:

• Both substances can affect heart rate and blood pressure, and their combined effect could put extra strain on the cardiovascular system.

In essence, mixing these substances significantly increases the risk of a negative experience. It’s generally advised to avoid combining psilocybin with alcohol or any other drugs.

The Latest Study on Psilocybin and Alcohol Use Disorder

One of the most significant studies on psilocybin for alcohol addiction was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on August 24, 2022. This study represents the largest clinical trial of psilocybin for AUD to date and builds upon earlier research that indicated promising results.

Key Findings:

• Participants who received psilocybin experienced an 83% reduction in alcohol consumption following two doses of the psychedelic combined with psychotherapy.
• Those in the psilocybin group were twice as likely to quit drinking entirely compared to the placebo group.
• The treatment appeared to be well-tolerated, with no reports of severe adverse effects.

These findings suggest that psilocybin, when used in a controlled setting alongside therapy, may significantly aid in reducing alcohol dependence and promoting long-term recovery.

How Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Works

Psilocybin-assisted therapy involves taking a high dose of psilocybin in a controlled, supportive setting with a trained therapist. The experience allows individuals to confront and process deep-seated emotional issues in a way that traditional talk therapy often cannot achieve.

Key Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy:

• Breaks down psychological barriers: Psilocybin helps individuals process trauma and suppressed emotions by reducing the brain’s habitual defense mechanisms.
• Creates profound emotional insights: Many patients report experiencing life-changing realizations that help them change their relationship with alcohol.
• Reduces heavy drinking: A 2021 NYU study found that two doses of psilocybin, combined with therapy, led to an 83% reduction in heavy drinking.
• Increases complete sobriety rates: The same study showed that 50% of participants stopped drinking entirely after the treatment.

Why Does Psilocybin Work for AUD?

The mechanisms through which psilocybin aids in addiction recovery are still being studied, but several theories have emerged:

1. Neuroplasticity – Psilocybin has been shown to enhance brain plasticity, potentially allowing individuals to rewire harmful thought patterns associated with addiction.
2. Emotional Processing – Many users report experiencing profound emotional insights and increased self-awareness, which can help address the psychological roots of addiction.
3. Reduction in Cravings – Psilocybin’s effect on serotonin receptors may reduce cravings for alcohol and other substances.

Legal Status and Future of Psilocybin Treatment

Despite its promising results, psilocybin remains illegal at the federal level in the United States. However, some states, like Oregon, have legalized it for therapeutic use, and other states, including Colorado, are considering similar measures.

The study discussed in this article is currently in Phase 2 of clinical trials. For psilocybin to gain full FDA approval for AUD treatment, it must go through several more stages:

• Phase 3 trials will involve a larger population to further confirm its effectiveness and safety.
• Phase 4 trials will provide ongoing monitoring once the drug is approved for public use.

In 2018, the FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, allowing for an expedited approval process. Whether psilocybin will receive similar priority status for AUD remains uncertain, but interest in its therapeutic potential is growing.

Conclusion

The latest research on psilocybin suggests that this psychedelic compound could play a transformative role in treating alcohol addiction. With its ability to significantly reduce alcohol consumption and promote long-term recovery, psilocybin represents a promising alternative to traditional AUD treatments.

However, more research and legal changes are needed before it becomes widely accessible. As clinical trials continue and public perception shifts, psilocybin could one day be a mainstream option for those seeking a new path to recovery from alcohol addiction.

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