Psilocybin Utilization in Alcohol Use Disorder

Title & Introduction

• Paper Title: Psilocybin Utilization in Alcohol Use Disorder
• Published In: Pharmacy and Wellness Review
• Publish Date: May 15, 2024
• Authors: Hannah Hall, Sarah Turske, Hannah Blake, Abigail Carter, Connor Dains, Haylee Whyde, Brianna Lu, Joshua Honaker, Lindsey Peters
• Objective: To examine the potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin for treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and assess its safety, efficacy, and clinical relevance.
• Importance: AUD remains a significant public health issue with limited effective treatment options. Emerging research suggests psilocybin could provide an alternative therapeutic pathway, warranting further investigation.

Summary & Takeaways

Key Takeaway: Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows potential in reducing heavy drinking days and promoting abstinence in individuals with AUD, but further research is necessary to establish long-term efficacy and safety.

Practical Application: The study supports the need for additional clinical trials to explore psilocybin’s role in AUD treatment, particularly as an alternative or adjunctive therapy alongside existing pharmacological and behavioral interventions.

Key Background Information

• Context: AUD affects over 25.9 million individuals in the U.S., with current treatments often showing limited effectiveness. Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, has demonstrated promise in addressing various neuropsychiatric conditions.
• Hypothesis: Psilocybin therapy can reduce alcohol consumption and heavy drinking days by modulating neuroplasticity and altering reward pathways in the brain.

Methodology

• Study Design: Literature review and analysis of clinical trials examining psilocybin’s effects on AUD.
• Participants: 93 individuals diagnosed with alcohol dependence in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
• Intervention/Exposure: Participants received either psilocybin (~0.36 mg/kg initially, increasing to 0.57 mg/kg) or placebo (diphenhydramine).
• Controls: Placebo (diphenhydramine) was used to maintain blinding.
• Duration: 32-week follow-up period with assessments at various intervals.

Key Findings

Primary Outcomes:

• Psilocybin therapy led to a significant reduction in heavy drinking days compared to placebo.
• Participants receiving psilocybin were more likely to achieve abstinence at weeks 33-36.
• Psilocybin increased the likelihood of WHO risk level reductions, indicating lower alcohol-related harm.

Secondary Outcomes:

• No severe adverse effects were reported, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
• Some participants experienced transient psychological discomfort (e.g., anxiety, perceptual changes).
• The study highlighted limitations, including the single-dose protocol and small sample size, necessitating further research.

Interpretation & Implications

• Conclusion: The results suggest psilocybin may be a viable treatment for AUD, promoting reductions in alcohol consumption and enhancing abstinence rates.
• Implications: Future research should explore long-term effects, optimal dosing, and comparisons with existing pharmacological treatments like naltrexone and acamprosate.
• Limitations: The study was limited by its sample size, single-dose design, and the need for longer follow-up periods to assess sustained effects.

Researchers & Publication

• Researchers: Hannah Hall, Sarah Turske, Hannah Blake, Abigail Carter, Connor Dains, Haylee Whyde, Brianna Lu, Joshua Honaker, Lindsey Peters
• Publication Name: Pharmacy and Wellness Review
• Study URL: Link to full study