Psilocybin use patterns and perception of risk among a cohort of Black individuals with Opioid Use Disorder

Among Black individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder recruited from an urban methadone program, most had heard of psilocybin mushrooms but only 17.8% had ever used them. Over 80% perceived a risk or were unsure of the risk for most psilocybin-related items. About half were willing to try therapy incorporating psilocybin, and half said they would be more likely to try it if FDA-approved for OUD. Most preferred to stay on methadone alone; only one participant chose psilocybin treatment without methadone. The authors suggest culturally informed treatment models and outreach to increase minority representation in psilocybin research.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims There is growing evidence that psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic substance, may be useful in the treatment of substance use disorders. However, there is a lack of data on the beliefs and attitudes towards psilocybin amongst Black individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). This study characterized psilocybin use patterns and perception of risk amongst a cohort of Black individuals diagnosed with OUD. Methods Using a convenience sampling approach, patients were recruited from an urban methadone treatment program and paid five dollars to complete an anonymous phone-based survey. Results Twenty-eight patients participated (mean age 53.8; N = 28; 35.7% female). Most ( N = 23; 82.1%) had “heard of” psilocybin mushrooms before taking the survey, but only five ( N = 5; 17.8%) had ever used them. More than 80% perceived a risk or were “unsure” of the risk for sixteen of the seventeen items queried about psilocybin. Approximately half ( N = 15; 53.6%) were willing to try therapy incorporating psilocybin and half ( N = 14; 50%) said they would be more likely to try if it were FDA approved for OUD. Most ( N = 18; 64.3%) preferred to stay on methadone treatment alone, 32.1% ( N = 9) wanted to try treatment with both psilocybin and methadone, and only one participant opted for psilocybin treatment without methadone. Conclusion Many Black individuals with Opioid Use Disorder perceive psilocybin as dangerous and may be hesitant to try psilocybin treatment. Culturally informed treatment models, educational interventions and community outreach programs should be developed to increase racial/ethnic minority representation in psilocybin research and treatment.