Understanding Psilocybin Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

Substance abuse disorder, characterized by the compulsive use of drugs despite harmful consequences, is a complex and challenging condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatment approaches often involve individual and group therapy, medication, and support groups intended to encourage recovery from addictive behavior.  However, in recent years, there has been significant research for natural medicine to heal alongside a growing interest in alternative therapies, including the use of psilocybin, the active compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, for treating substance abuse disorder. While some doubt its potential benefits, some have raised concerns about its safety, effectiveness and its unknown affects on the mind.   

Psilocybin-assisted therapy is typically administered in a controlled and supportive environment under the guidance of trained therapists. 

Administrative Steps of Psilocybin Requires a Controlled Environment Supported by Trained Therapists

1. Preparation: Before the psilocybin session, individuals undergo thorough preparation, which may include discussions with therapists about their medical history, current mental state, and goals for the session. This preparation phase helps establish rapport between the individual and the therapist and ensures that the individual feels safe and comfortable before the session.
2. Setting: The therapy session takes place in a specially designed setting conducive to relaxation and introspection. This environment is often carefully curated to minimize distractions and provide a sense of safety and comfort. Sessions may occur in a therapist’s office, a clinic, or a retreat center, depending on the treatment program.
3. Dosage: The dosage of psilocybin administered during therapy sessions is carefully measured and tailored to each individual’s needs and sensitivity. Typically, a moderate to high dose of psilocybin is used to induce a psychedelic experience, characterized by alterations in perception, cognition, and mood.
4. Guided Experience: During the session, individuals are encouraged to lie down, wear eye shades, and listen to music that enhances the therapeutic experience. Therapists provide guidance and support throughout the session, helping individuals navigate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences as they arise.
5. Integration: Following the psilocybin session, individuals engage in integration sessions with their therapists to process and make sense of their experiences. Integration sessions may involve discussing insights gained during the session, exploring emotions that emerged, and identifying strategies for applying these insights to daily life.
6. Follow-up Support: In addition to integration sessions, individuals may receive ongoing support from therapists and support groups to maintain progress and address any challenges that arise after the psilocybin session. Follow-up care is essential for ensuring the long-term effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy.

It’s important to emphasize that psilocybin-assisted therapy is not a standalone treatment but rather a therapeutic approach that is integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. Therapy sessions are typically conducted in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing, to address the underlying causes of substance abuse and promote lasting recovery. Additionally, the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy is strictly regulated, and individuals must meet specific criteria and undergo screening before participating in a treatment program.

While psilocybin-assisted therapy holds promise as an innovative approach to treating substance abuse disorder, it also presents significant considerations. The structured administration of psilocybin within a therapeutic setting, as outlined, offers individuals the opportunity for profound introspection and potential breakthroughs in addressing addictive patterns. However, alongside its therapeutic potential, there are notable challenges and risks associated with psilocybin treatment. Thus, it is crucial to carefully examine both the benefits and drawbacks to gain a comprehensive understanding of its role in substance abuse treatment.

Some of the pros for psilocybin-assisted therapy are as follows:

1. Potential for Breakthrough Therapy: Research suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy could offer a breakthrough in treating substance abuse disorder. Studies have shown promising results in terms of reducing cravings, enhancing self-awareness, and facilitating a profound shift in perspective that may help individuals break free from addictive patterns.
   1. *Johns Hopkins University Study (2016): A landmark study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly reduced depression and anxiety in individuals with life-threatening cancer. According to the study, 80% of participants experienced significant decreases in depression and anxiety symptoms six months after a single psilocybin session.
   2. *Imperial College London Study (2019): Researchers at Imperial College London conducted a study examining the effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy on treatment-resistant depression. The study found that 67% of participants showed a reduction in depression symptoms one week after two psilocybin sessions, and 47% maintained this reduction at three months.
   3. *NYU Grossman School of Medicine Study (2020): A study conducted at NYU Grossman School of Medicine investigated the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol dependence. The study found that 58% of participants achieved abstinence from alcohol six months after treatment, and 67% reported a reduction in alcohol consumption.
2. Neuroplasticity and Healing: Psilocybin has been found to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with substance abuse, as it may help undo the neural pathways associated with addiction and establish healthier ones.
3. Psychological Insights: Psilocybin therapy often involves deep introspection and introspective experiences. Patients may gain valuable insights into the root causes of their addiction, unresolved trauma, or emotional issues, which can be addressed in therapy sessions, leading to long-term recovery.
4. Single Dose, Long-lasting Effects: Unlike traditional medications that require daily doses, psilocybin therapy typically involves a single or limited number of doses administered under controlled conditions. Despite this, the effects may last for weeks or even months, reducing the need for ongoing medication.
5. Low Potential for Addiction: Psilocybin itself is not considered addictive, and there is no evidence to suggest that its therapeutic use leads to dependence or substance abuse. This makes it a potentially safer option compared to conventional medications used to treat substance abuse disorder.

On the reverse end, the cons are listed as:

1. Legal and Regulatory Hurdles: Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries, including the United States, meaning it is illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute. This presents significant barriers to research and limits access to treatment for those in need.
2. Psychological Risks: While psilocybin therapy can have profound therapeutic effects, it also carries the risk of inducing challenging psychological experiences, commonly referred to as “bad trips.” These experiences can be distressing and potentially exacerbate underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or psychosis. This emphasizes the importance of having a therapist assisted experience, to help prevent a “bad trip” during therapeutic sessions.
3. Lack of Standardization: The use of psilocybin in therapy is still in its early stages, and there is a lack of standardized protocols regarding dosing, administration, and therapy integration. Without clear guidelines, there is a risk of inconsistent outcomes and potential harm to patients.
4. Limited Research: Despite the growing interest in psilocybin therapy, the research on its effectiveness and safety for treating substance abuse disorder is still limited. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish its long-term efficacy, optimal dosage, and potential side effects.
5. Stigma and Social Acceptance: Psychedelics have long been associated with counterculture movements and stigmatized by society at large. The use of psilocybin therapy for treating substance abuse disorder may face resistance from policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public, hindering its acceptance and accessibility.

While psilocybin therapy shows promise as a novel approach to treating substance abuse disorder, it is not without its challenges and risks. Legal barriers, psychological risks, lack of standardization, and limited research are significant hurdles that must be addressed. Moving forward, it is essential to conduct further research, establish clear guidelines, and advocate for policy reforms to unlock the full potential of psilocybin therapy as a valuable tool in combating addiction.