Magic Mushrooms Reduce Excessive Drinking
Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, may help people who struggle with alcohol dependence, a new study found. The research found that people who underwent two psychedelic "trips" reduced their days of heavy drinking by 83%. At the end of the trial, 48% of patients who used psilocybin quit alcohol use entirely. If these effects hold up in future trials, psilocybin will be a real breakthrough in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, Dr. Michael Bogenschutz, director of the NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine. However, it is unclear whether the positive results of the study stem from the use of Psilocybin or psychotherapy. Each patient underwent a series of psychotherapy sessions aimed at reducing drinking. We can't make any statements about what the psilocybin would be doing in terms of therapeutic effects without the psychotherapy, Dr. Michael Bogenschutz, director of the NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine.
