Yes. Psilocybin-assisted therapy is being studied as a possible treatment for alcohol use disorder, but it remains investigational and is not FDA-approved for AUD. Some randomized trials have reported reductions in heavy drinking, while other studies have found more limited or mixed benefits.
What is psilocybin-assisted therapy?
Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. In clinical research, it is typically administered in a controlled setting alongside structured psychological preparation, monitored dosing sessions, and psychotherapy or integration sessions.
What did the 2022 randomized trial find?
A 2022 randomized clinical trial in adults with alcohol use disorder found that participants receiving psilocybin plus psychotherapy had a lower percentage of heavy drinking days than participants receiving an active placebo plus psychotherapy during the follow-up period.
Have all trials been positive?
No. A 2025 phase 2 trial studying a single dose of psilocybin after alcohol withdrawal treatment did not find significant differences in abstinence duration or mean alcohol use compared with placebo, although craving declined in both groups and the study was small.
These mixed findings are one reason researchers continue to study dose, number of sessions, psychotherapy structure, patient selection, and long-term outcomes.
Is psilocybin approved for alcohol use disorder?
No. Psilocybin is not FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder. Clinical use for AUD remains experimental and should not be presented as an established treatment.
Why are researchers interested in psilocybin?
Researchers are investigating whether psychedelic experiences combined with psychotherapy may alter alcohol-related habits, motivation, emotional processing, or behavior change. The exact therapeutic mechanisms remain under study.
What safety questions remain?
Psychedelics can produce intense perceptual and psychological effects and may not be appropriate for people with certain psychiatric or medical conditions. Controlled trials use careful screening, professional monitoring, and structured follow-up.
How does this fit with established AUD treatment?
Psilocybin research should be understood alongside established treatments such as behavioral therapy and FDA-approved medications including naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Trinity has a separate guide on medications used for alcohol use disorder.
Does Trinity offer psilocybin-assisted treatment?
This educational article does not establish that Trinity Behavioral Health offers psilocybin or psychedelic-assisted therapy. Current services should be verified directly with the treatment program.
Frequently asked questions
Has psilocybin been proven to treat AUD?
No. The evidence is promising in some studies but remains investigational.
Is psilocybin the same as standard psychotherapy?
No. In research, psilocybin is typically combined with structured psychological support, but the medication component is experimental.
Can someone use psilocybin on their own to treat alcohol problems?
Clinical trial findings should not be interpreted as support for unsupervised self-treatment.
Sources
- PubMed: Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder—Randomized Clinical Trial
- PubMed: Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Relapse Prevention in AUD—Phase 2 Trial
- PubMed: Systematic Review of Psilocybin for Substance Use Disorders
This article summarizes emerging research and is not individualized medical advice.