Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Severe Alcohol Use Disorder: A Double-Blind, Dose-Comparison Concurrent Control Randomized Trial
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Summary
This study aims to determine the safety and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in improving alcohol-related outcomes among adults with severe alcohol use disorder in a a double-blind, dose-comparison concurrent control, randomized trial. Participants will undergo structured psychotherapy and will be randomized to two psilocybin sessions to receive either a full dose (30mg or 40mg) or low dose (10mg or 15mg).
Description
This study is a double-blind, dose-comparison concurrent control randomized trial designed to evaluate the effects of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy on alcohol-related outcomes, neurocognitive processes related to craving and stress, and neural circuits involved in reward and regulation among adults with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants are recruited up to 3 months after completing inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment to ensure medical stabilization prior to psilocybin administration. The study examines both preliminary efficacy and safety while also exploring mechanistic p…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
To be eligible, individuals must be: * English speaking adults between ages 18 and 65 * Diagnosis of DSM5 AUD, severe * Completion of inpatient withdrawal management (i.e. "detox") for AUD within 90 days of enrollment * Amenable to attending all psychotherapy and study visits at BWH CCI * Able to identify an individual who can act as points of contact during the trial * Have a friend or family member who can bring the participant home after the psilocybin sessions and stay overnight Individuals with any of the following will be excluded: * Any personal history of a psychotic disorder (schiz…
Interventions
- DrugPsilocybin
Psilocybin is administered in oral capsule form during two dosing sessions held four weeks apart. Each session occurs in a controlled clinical environment with continuous monitoring by trained study therapists. Participants receive a standardized psychotherapy protocol that includes preparatory sessions before dosing and integration sessions afterward. The randomized dosing schedule includes either 10 mg with optional escalation to 15 mg or 30 mg with optional escalation to 40 mg for the second session. All participants also receive support from a peer recovery coach and are offered ongoing outpatient addiction treatment throughout the study period.
Location
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBoston, Massachusetts