Psilocybin & Alcohol Use Disorder:
A Breakthrough in Healing
In today’s edition of Weekly Mind Watering, we’re revisiting psilocybin’s transformative potential when it comes to treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
With encouraging research emerging from NYU and UC San Francisco, psilocybin-assisted therapy is once again offering deeper insights mental health conditions that have stubbornly resisted treatment for decades.
If you’ve been curious about the intersection of psychedelic research and addiction recovery, today’s edition is for you!
Study Highlights: Psilocybin's Healing Power
The first study, published in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors journal, marks a significant leap in helping people understand and heal the emotional aspects of their addiction,
Imagine finding a way to really get to the heart of why someone might turn to alcohol in tough times.
That’s what participants experienced with psilocybin therapy. They were able to dive deep into their emotions and come out the other side feeling clearer and stronger than before.
One of the most beautiful outcomes of this therapy was how people started to treat themselves with more kindness and understanding.
Recognizing their own worth and practicing self-love became a powerful part of their journey to recovery.
Not only did individuals feel a change within themselves, but they also noticed improvements in their relationships.
Feeling more connected to others and finding a sense of belonging were key pieces of their healing process, showing that recovery isn’t just about the individual.
The Quantitative Perspective: Psilocybin vs. Placebo
The second study meticulously measured the impact on heavy drinking days and overall alcohol consumption, providing clear, quantifiable benefits of psilocybin therapy:
Participants receiving psilocybin therapy reported a significant decrease in heavy drinking days.
On average, individuals experienced a 60% reduction in heavy drinking days within the first month post-therapy, with sustained improvements observed over the next six months.
The total alcohol intake of participants in the psilocybin group dropped remarkably.
There was an average reduction of 50% in total alcohol consumed per week, compared to before the therapy.
Follow-up evaluations found reductions in heavy drinking days and overall consumption were persistent –
Highlighting the long-term benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Final Thoughts
From emotional and psychological growth to sharp drops in alcohol consumption, the promise of psilocybin as a therapeutic tool is increasingly clear.
As the landscape of psychedelic research and therapy continues to evolve, we can look forward to more breakthroughs that bring hope and healing to those of us suffering from alcohol use disorder.
Ready to Learn More?
Read:
"Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy..."
From The National Library of Medicine
