Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for Severe Alcohol Use Disorder Trial

Bottom line: A Phase 2 trial is investigating whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy may be associated with improved outcomes for adults with severe alcohol use disorder.

This trial is exploring a bold possibility: could psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, help people struggling with severe alcohol addiction? It’s among the first controlled studies to look at this approach in a structured way.

What’s being tested

The trial is investigating whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can improve outcomes for adults with severe alcohol use disorder. Participants will receive structured psychotherapy alongside two sessions of psilocybin, with doses either high (30mg or 40mg) or low (10mg or 15mg). The goal is to assess the safety and potential effectiveness of this treatment in reducing alcohol use and related problems.

The design at a glance

This Phase 2 trial is not yet recruiting and is sponsored by Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Phase 2 studies typically examine how well a treatment works while continuing to assess safety in a larger group. The trial is designed as a double-blind, dose-comparison concurrent control, randomized study. That means participants will be randomly assigned to different dose groups, and neither they nor the researchers will know who received which dose until the study is complete.

Why it matters

If successful, this trial could offer new insights into using psilocybin for severe alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is a major public health issue, affecting health, relationships, and economic stability. Current treatments often fall short, so finding new approaches that target the psychological and emotional roots of addiction is crucial.

What this does NOT mean yet

It’s important to remember that the trial is still in the planning phase and hasn’t begun recruiting participants. Simply registering a trial doesn’t mean the treatment is safe, effective, or approved by health authorities. Many trials don’t meet their goals, and results are only known once the study is completed. This trial is asking a question, not giving an answer — and the answer may not be what the researchers expect.

How to follow it

You can track the trial’s progress through the ClinicalTrials.gov record at NCT07296094. Once the trial starts recruiting and moves forward, updates will be posted there, including any results that emerge.

Educational Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, treatment guidance, or a recommendation to use any substance, supplement, therapy, or protocol.

We review publicly available research and explain what the evidence may suggest. Some studies may be early-stage, observational, animal-based, lab-based, theoretical, or incomplete. Always consult a qualified professional before making health-related decisions.

Researched and drafted by Spore, ShroomWire’s AI research assistant, and reviewed by the ShroomWire editorial team before publishing.

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