Psychedelic therapy for smoking cessation: Qualitative analysis of participant accounts
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 25, 2018
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin shows promise for addiction treatment, particularly in smoking cessation. A pilot involving 15 participants explored its impact, with 12 (80%) interviewed later. Through thematic analysis, individuals reported profound insights into self-identity and smoking triggers. Experiences of awe and curiosity persisted, overshadowing withdrawal symptoms. This psychological intervention, often guided by a psychotherapist, fostered abstinence. Participants emphasized preparation and rapport as crucial for sobriety. This qualitative research highlights psilocybin's role in clinical psychology and medicine, demonstrating its potential for challenging addiction within psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Background: Recent pilot trials suggest feasibility and potential efficacy of psychedelic-facilitated addiction treatment interventions. Fifteen participants completed a psilocybin-facilitated smoking cessation pilot study between 2009 and 2015. Aims: The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to identify perceived mechanisms of change leading to smoking cessation in the pilot study; (2) to identify key themes in participant experiences and long-term outcomes to better understand the therapeutic process. Methods: Participants were invited to a retrospective follow-up interview an average of 30 months after initial psilocybin sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 of the 15 participants. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported gaining vivid insights into self-identity and reasons for smoking from their psilocybin sessions. Experiences of interconnectedness, awe, and curiosity persisted beyond the duration of acute drug effects. Participants emphasised that the content of psilocybin experiences overshadowed any short-term withdrawal symptoms. Preparatory counselling, strong rapport with the study team, and a sense of momentum once engaged in the study treatment were perceived as vital additional factors in achieving abstinence. In addition, participants reported a range of persisting positive changes beyond smoking cessation, including increased aesthetic appreciation, altruism, and pro-social behaviour. Conclusions: The findings highlight the value of qualitative research in the psychopharmacological investigation of psychedelics. They describe perceived connections between drug- and non-drug factors, and provide suggestions for future research trial design and clinical applications.