The Emerging Use of Psilocybin in Adult Populations with Alcohol Use Disorder: A Scoping Review
Preprints.org June 19, 2025 Danial Daroui, Andrea Mastrostefano, Flavio Davini et al. 1 citation preprint
Psilocybin, when paired with psychotherapy, reduces heavy drinking days and alcohol-related and mental problems in people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), according to a scoping review of 12 studies published between 1968 and 2025. The review included 7 randomized controlled trials, 4 open-label studies, and 1 case report. Early Polish studies suggested long-term remission of alcohol cravings, while recent U.S.-based RCTs confirmed reductions in heavy drinking and associated problems. Limitations include small sample sizes and short follow-up periods, especially for patients with comorbidities. Most studies were conducted in hospital and university psychiatry departments. Psilocybin remains an experimental treatment requiring further rigorous research on efficacy and safety.