Studies suggest that psilocybin can help reduce alcohol consumption by people with an alcohol use disorder. One proof-of-concept study1 investigated the effects of psilocybin treatment on 10 individuals with alcohol dependence. It found that one to two supervised sessions in combination with Motivational Enhancement Therapy, as well as preparation and debriefing therapy sessions, increased abstinence compared to pre-psilocybin, therapy-only treatment. Increases in abstinence persisted at the 36-week follow-up.
In a case study of three alcoholics from this 2015 proof-of-concept study, researchers found that treatment with psilocybin significantly reduced the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption. Researchers also found that the treatment significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression immediately after the reduction in alcohol use2 .
In a randomized clinical trial conducted in 2022 looking at the effects of psilocybin after heavy drinking days, psilocybin administered in combination with psychotherapy was associated with robust and sustained decreases in drinking. This reduction was greater than that observed following active placebo with psychotherapy. The researchers conducting this study say the findings provide support for further studies of psilocybin-assisted treatment for adults with alcohol use disorder3 .