Psychedelic-assisted therapy combines administration of a psychedelic drug with structured psychological preparation, monitored dosing sessions, and follow-up or integration therapy. It is being studied for substance use disorders, but the approach remains experimental and is not an established FDA-approved treatment for addiction.

What substances are being studied?

Research has examined psilocybin most extensively, with smaller bodies of evidence involving ketamine, ibogaine, LSD, ayahuasca, and other compounds. The quality and amount of evidence vary substantially by substance and by the addiction being studied.

How is psychedelic-assisted therapy different from simply taking a psychedelic?

Clinical research uses screening, preparation, controlled dosing conditions, trained staff, monitoring, and psychotherapy or integration. The therapeutic model is therefore a combined intervention rather than unsupervised psychedelic use.

Which addictions have been studied?

Recent systematic reviews include studies involving alcohol, tobacco or nicotine, cocaine, opioid, cannabis, and other substance use disorders. Among classic psychedelics, psilocybin has the strongest clinical evidence so far, particularly for alcohol and tobacco use disorders, but certainty remains limited.

Is the evidence established?

No. A 2025 systematic review found promising findings but emphasized limitations in study quality and the need for larger rigorous trials. A 2026 review likewise described psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy as promising but still emerging.

Are psychedelic treatments FDA-approved for addiction?

No. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is not FDA-approved as a treatment for substance use disorders. Research findings should not be interpreted as support for unsupervised self-treatment.

What are the safety concerns?

Psychedelics can cause intense perceptual, emotional, and physiological effects. Research protocols commonly exclude people with certain psychiatric or medical risks and use close monitoring. Safety depends on the specific drug, dose, patient, setting, and clinical safeguards.

How does this relate to psilocybin and alcohol research?

Trinity has a separate article on psilocybin research for alcohol use disorder, including randomized trial findings and limitations.

Does Trinity offer psychedelic-assisted therapy?

This educational article does not establish that Trinity Behavioral Health offers psychedelics, ketamine, or psychedelic-assisted therapy. Current services should be confirmed directly with Trinity.

Frequently asked questions

Is psychedelic-assisted therapy the same as recreational psychedelic use?

No. Clinical research involves structured screening, monitoring, and psychological support.

Which psychedelic has the most addiction research?

Recent reviews identify psilocybin as having the strongest evidence among classic psychedelics, especially for alcohol use disorder, though evidence remains preliminary.

Can psychedelic therapy replace established addiction treatment?

Not based on current evidence. Established behavioral, medication, and recovery-support treatments remain the standard of care.

Sources

This article summarizes emerging research and is not individualized medical advice.

What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Is It Being Studied for Addiction?