JAMA Psychiatry
August 24, 2022
Michael P. Bogenschutz, Stephen Ross, Snehal Bhatt et al.
668 citations
Two doses of psilocybin, given alongside psychotherapy, substantially reduced heavy drinking in people with alcohol use disorder compared to an active placebo (diphenhydramine) plus psychotherapy. Over 32 weeks, heavy drinking days averaged 9.7% in the psilocybin group versus 23.6% in the placebo group—a mean difference of 13.9 percentage points. Daily alcohol consumption was also lower with psilocybin. No serious adverse events occurred in the psilocybin group. The findings support further research into psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
April 3, 2018
Tara C. Malone, Sarah E. Mennenga, Jeffrey Guss et al.
128 citations
Cancer patients who receive psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy often have personalized experiences that extend beyond their diagnosis, centering on self-compassion, love, acceptance of death, and past trauma. In a double-blind trial, 29 patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression received either psilocybin or niacin with psychotherapy. Psilocybin produced rapid and lasting reductions in anxiety and depression. Detailed accounts of four participants show that while the content of each psilocybin session was unique, common themes emerged. The findings highlight how the subjective effects of psilocybin can address individual spiritual and psychological needs.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
February 20, 2018
Michael P. Bogenschutz, Samantha K. Podrebarac, Jessie H. Duane et al.
125 citations
After a 40-year pause, clinical research on classic hallucinogens for addiction has resumed. An ongoing double-blind placebo-controlled trial tests psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder, building on a small open-label feasibility study. Descriptive case studies of three participants illustrate treatment trajectories. Pivotal moments during psilocybin sessions are individualized, vivid, and memorable, often extending beyond the clinical problem. Participants experienced lasting shifts in self-perception, consciousness, and relationship with alcohol. Experiences of catharsis, forgiveness, self-compassion, and love were as salient as mystical content. Feelings of increased mindfulness, spaciousness, and control over choices and behavior were reported. The treatment elicits highly variable experiences that appear to meet individual needs.
Spirituality in Clinical Practice
September 1, 2021
Samantha K. Podrebarac, Kelley C. O’donnell, Sarah E. Mennenga et al.
38 citations
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