Psilocybin in the Management of Substance Use Disorders: A Summary ofCurrent Evidence

After clinical trials showed psilocybin could help treat pain, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients, researchers became interested in whether it might also treat substance use disorders. This review of the literature summarizes available trials on psilocybin for addiction. Only one double-blind, randomized clinical trial has examined psilocybin's effect on heavy drinking in adults with alcohol dependence. Several trials are currently underway, but otherwise the evidence is insufficient to draw any conclusions about psilocybin's efficacy for substance use disorders. More well-powered, blinded, randomized controlled trials are needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Following clinical trials on psilocybin for the treatment of pain, anxiety, and depression in patients with cancer, scientific interest emerged in its use for substance use disorders. Methods: In this review of the literature, we summarize available trials looking at the use of psilocybin in addiction Results: One double-blind, randomized clinical trial looked at the effect of psilocybin on heavy drinking in adults diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Several trials are currently ongoing to assess psilocybin’s efficacy in the management of different SUDs. Otherwise, the current evidence is insufficient to derive any conclusions on the possible efficacy of psilocybin in substance use disorders. Conclusions: More well-powered, blinded, randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of psilocybin in addiction while identifying the appropriate conditions that promote its safe use.