In the study from New York University, 93 women and men with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence were randomly assigned to receive either two doses of the psychedelic substance psilocybin or a placebo substance. The medication was combined with twelve sessions of psychotherapy.
Study participant Jon Kostas had had an alcohol addiction since his early teens, and psychiatrist Stephen Ross says it was one of the worst cases he had ever encountered. After years of trying AA meetings, rehab and medication without success, his psychiatrist believed he was at risk of dying from his addiction.
Risk groups for psychedelia are excluded
Study leader and psychiatrist Michael Bogenschutz says that patients with a background of mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders are considered unsuitable for treatment with psilocybin because of the risks.
– There is a possibility that psychedelia can cause psychosis in someone who is susceptible or has it in the family. It hasn’t happened in any of the clinical trials yet, but it’s a continuing concern, says Michael Bogenschutz.
Promising results
Participants who received psilocybin in combination with psychotherapy reduced days of heavy drinking by 50 percent compared to participants who received psychotherapy alone.
– If the results hold, it is much more effective compared to the drugs against alcohol addiction that are on the market today, says Michael Bogenshutz.
The researchers in the field are now waiting for larger studies which they hope can confirm the positive signs seen so far.
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