Examining Psilocybin from Magic Mushrooms for Alcohol Addiction and Safety

Examining the Effects of Psilocybin from Magic Mushrooms on Alcohol Use Disorder

The compound psilocybin found in certain mushrooms has recently gained attention for its potential mental health benefits. Specifically, new research indicates combining psilocybin with therapy could significantly help those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

What the Research Shows on Psilocybin for Alcohol Use Disorder

In a first-of-its-kind study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2022, a randomized clinical trial was conducted by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine on whether psilocybin therapy could treat AUD.

Ninety-three participants diagnosed with AUD received either two doses of psilocybin along with talk therapy or a placebo (niacin) plus therapy. The psilocybin doses were 25mg and 30mg given 10 weeks apart. Therapeutic support was provided before, during and after ingestion.

The results showed that those who received psilocybin had markedly higher abstinence rates over the 32-week follow-up. About half had abstinence for the final 4 weeks compared to roughly a quarter in the placebo group.

The study suggests psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant improvement in loss of control over alcohol and reductions in stress and cravings behind problematic drinking.

How Psilocybin Helps Change Habits and Cravings

Researchers speculate that the success of psilocybin for AUD may stem from its ability to alter cognitive and emotional patterns. Users have reported detached self-observation and self-reflection during trips leading to new insights and perspectives.

Some describe vivid visions or inner journeys showing alternate realities without alcohol. By tapping into subconscious thoughts, psilocybin may enable restructuring of the neural pathways behind addictive habits and behaviors.

The hallucinogenic experience is often considered mystical; and the change in world view combined with therapeutic processing could produce changes in values and priorities contributing to AUD as well.

Ongoing Research into Psilocybin as an Addiction Treatment

While recent research is promising, experts note more clinical trials in larger groups will be needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Psilocybin is currently designated federally as a Schedule 1 illegal substance, though some jurisdictions allow medical access.

In 2022, the FDA gave breakthrough therapy designation to a psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder. As acceptance expands, additional substances like LSD or MDMA also show potential to address mental health and addiction issues.

Researchers stress that psilocybin in isolation may be less beneficial, but administering within an evidence-based talk therapy system can produce lasting positive outcomes.

Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Magic Mushrooms

Despite optimistic research, recreational users should exercise extreme caution when mixing these substances without medical guidance. Alcohol severely impairs judgement and when combined with psilocybin risks of unpredictable behavior rise exponentially.

Alcohol Can Intensify Hallucinogenic Effects

While alcohol is classified as a depressant that induces sedation or relaxation, it can actually enhance the intensity and duration of psychedelic trips. Studies suggest even moderate drinking before ingesting mushrooms heightens unreal sensations and perceptual distortions.

Hallucinogens already produce an “dream-like” mental state where fantastical inner adventures seem strikingly real. Alcohol tends to amplify this which could induce greater paranoia, emotional chaos or confusion in the user.

Risk of Reactive Hypoglycemia

Both alcohol and psilocybin impact blood sugar regulation, especially when substantial amounts have been consumed. As the drunken high wears off, rebound low blood sugar or reactive hypoglycemia can set in.

This induces shakiness, mood instability, stubborn hunger and for some, loss of consciousness. It’s risky enough following excessive drinking but mushroom comedowns may exacerbate instability. Consumption of both demands close monitoring for several hours post-ingestion.

Dehydration and Vomiting

Vomiting, nausea and physical discomfort often accompany “bad trips” where anxiety runs high. Mixing alcohol tends to increase odds of this reaction. The collective impact of fluids lost from vomiting and alcohol urine output loss often leaves the body severely dehydrated.

This forces vital organs like the brain and heart to overwork trying maintain homeostasis. When combined with hallucinogens that accelerate heart rate already, the strain could jeopardize health in high risk users.

Respiratory Failure

Left untreated, extreme dehydration plus metabolic acidosis from vomiting can induce seizures or shutdown breathing altogether. The technical term is respiratory acidosis; and the blood becomes overly acidic which hinders oxygen cell exchange.

Since both alcohol and psilocybin are known to suppress respiratory drive already, combining the two makes this life-threatening reaction more likely in undisciplined settings.

Tips for Preventing Harm When Taking Psilocybin

For those insisting to experiment outside clinical frameworks, smart harm reduction strategies are vital. Besides safety, these tips will make difficult trips less likely to derail personal growth chances.

Never Mix Alcohol and Psilocybin

Consuming psilocybin after drinking or vice versa produces infinitely less value relative to risk. Wait at least 1-2 weeks after quitting all alcohol use before tripping; or avoid drinking for 48 hours afterwards.

Dose Carefully in Calm Setting

Take conservative doses in quiet, supervised settings should things go sideways. Having medical staff available is ideal; and trainees shouldn’t ingest alone until experienced.

Stay Hydrated and Monitor Vitals

Drink electrolyte fluids before, during and following sessions. Periodically check pulse rate, temperature and watch closely for seizure-like symptoms indicating metabolic issues.

Allow Adequate Time for Processing

Hallucinogens metabolize within 6-8 hours normally but won’t facilitate meaningful change alone. Schedule multiple days for journaling, group discussions, meditation to integrate takeaways into everyday life.

Other Potential Benefits of Psilocybin

Beyond addiction treatment potential, psilocybin from magic mushrooms may offer additional mental health benefits as research expands.

Alleviating Anxiety and Depression

Smaller clinical studies report that when guided properly, psilocybin experiences helped alleviate depressive thinking patterns for up to 5 weeks post-trip. Regulating emotional response in positive ways may treat certain anxiety disorders as well.

Supporting Smoking Cessation

Based on anecdotal self-reports, psilocybin shows promise helping users quit addictions to not just alcohol but nicotine as well. By altering deeply rooted smoking cues chemically, mushrooms could boost willpower and accountability during the quitting process.

Easing End of Life Distress

Research shows psilocybin generated experiences can help terminal patients better cope with grief stemming from impending death. By changing perspectives on existence itself, much fear and anxiety lose hold during final stage palliative care.

Strengthening Spiritual Connectedness

Tripping often surfaces intuition guiding users toward some greater truth or purpose. By awakening higher states of consciousness, doors open to explore spirituality, creativity and our human interconnectedness in profoundly vivid ways.

Considerations for Psilocybin Use Outside Academia

Should recreational users elect to try psilocybin containing mushrooms, strict precautions are necessary.

Ensure Proper Mushroom Identification

Consuming poisonous mushrooms can be fatal so authenticate any foraged batch with an expert mycologist beforehand. Accurately differentiating between psychedelic and lethal varieties is challenging for amateurs.

Avoid Hazardous Combos and Activities

Never mix mushrooms with alcohol, marijuana, opioids or other mind-altering substances. Operating vehicles, machinery or making financial decisions while high should be completely avoided as well.

Respect Set and Setting

Even experienced trippers can lose control occasionally. Surround yourself with trusted companions in nature, not large crowds or confinement. Let go of expectations and adverse emotions that could steer journeys negatively.

While modern medicine embraces psilocybin therapy for certain conditions, responsible, ethical use by individuals is paramount. Without proper precautions, intended healing can easily morph into catastrophe.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.