How Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Can Help Treat Alcohol Use Disorder

Healing the Root of Alcohol Dependency with Psilocybin

When life feels overwhelming, many turn to substances like alcohol to smooth its rough edges. Unfortunately, without more effective coping strategies, this reliance can evolve into dependence, negatively affecting relationships, careers, and self-esteem. For those seeking change, psilocybin—a naturally occurring psychoactive compound—offers a promising path toward healing.

Psilocybin and Alcohol Dependence: What Research Shows

In 2015, Dr. Michael Bogenschutz and his team at the University of New Mexico conducted a groundbreaking study to explore psilocybin’s impact on alcohol dependency. The results were striking: participants showed significant reductions in drinking following their psilocybin sessions. These improvements, often linked to the profound, mystical nature of the experience, persisted throughout the study’s duration of 36 weeks.

Critically, this transformation didn’t occur in isolation. Participants underwent psychological preparation and integration sessions surrounding their psilocybin treatments. Notably, the first significant drops in alcohol consumption only appeared after the initial psilocybin session—highlighting the compound’s pivotal role in the therapeutic process.

Further studies by Dr. Bogenschutz (2018, 2022) reinforced these findings. Participants reported transformative experiences of catharsis, self-compassion, forgiveness, and mindfulness, as well as a greater sense of control over their choices. These profound shifts helped them redefine their relationship with alcohol and themselves, often leading to long-term behavioral change.

Addressing Concerns About Psilocybin

Despite these promising outcomes, concerns persist—especially within communities like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which emphasizes strict abstinence from all substances. This perspective stems from a fear that dependence on alcohol might transfer to psilocybin or other substances. Such concerns deserve thoughtful, compassionate discussion.

Evidence suggests psilocybin is far less harmful than many common substances. In a comparative study of 20 recreational drugs, psilocybin ranked least harmful, having fewer adverse effects than alcohol, tobacco, or even cannabis. By contrast, alcohol ranked as the most harmful of the 20 substances reviewed. A 2010 comparative study ranked psilocybin as having fewer adverse effects than alcohol, tobacco, or even cannabis. By contrast, alcohol ranked as the most harmful of the 20 substances reviewed.

Anecdotes from the Field

Beyond clinical trials, countless individuals share stories of personal transformation after psilocybin experiences. Many report that their interest in alcohol significantly diminishes—or even vanishes—following a session, particularly when coupled with another of Nature’s most potent remedies: human connection.

These outcomes underscore the importance of integration, the process of weaving insights from the psilocybin experience into daily life. A skilled psychotherapist can guide clients through this phase, helping them harness the healing potential of psilocybin to address the underlying causes of substance dependence.

A Path to Freedom

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol dependency, psilocybin-assisted therapy might offer a pathway to freedom. With the right preparation, professional support, and integration, this therapeutic approach can transform not only your relationship with alcohol but your relationship with life itself.

For deeper insights into the root causes of addiction, check out this thought-provoking podcast with Gabor Maté or Johann Hari’s TED Talk, “Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong.”