Knocking on the Doors of Perception: the role of psilocybin in substance use disorder treatment
European Psychiatry March 1, 2023 R. Sousa, Luís Costa, J. Brás et al.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) remain a major health concern, with about 50–60% of patients relapsing within 6–12 months after treatment. Hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin have shown potential anti-craving properties and may reduce substance use. Psilocybin has been found to increase trait openness, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, and positive attitudes and mood, with some studies reporting persistent positive changes. These effects suggest psilocybin could help treat SUDs and prevent relapse, possibly by improving negative emotional states and stress or by reducing cognitive inflexibility and compulsivity. However, research is still limited to a handful of studies, and many questions about its mechanisms and use alongside current treatments remain unanswered.