The emergence of innovative approaches to alcohol dependence treatment adds an interesting dimension. 

Handsome depressed man drinking whiskey

Innovative approaches, such as utilizing psilocybin for treatment, offer a promising avenue for those seeking assistance. 

Psilocybin, found in dried mushrooms or mushroom gummies at https://www.zoomiescanada.ca/shrooms-delivery/shrooms/shroom-gummies/, has demonstrated positive effects on the behaviour of individuals grappling with heavy alcohol consumption.

Key Takeaways:

  • Individuals who received psilocybin therapy had a decreased incidence of heavy drinking during the 32-week observation period. 
  • Mushrooms are not only effective in treating alcoholism but other forms of addiction, too.
  • One possible theory for the efficacy of shrooms is their ability to induce neuroplasticity.

Exploring the Study from JAMA Psychiatry

Subjects

The study encompassed participants aged 25 to 65, with their alcohol dependence assessed through the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Individuals also disclosed engaging in at least four episodes of heavy drinking within the 30 days preceding the screening.

How Did the Researchers Conducted Their Study?

Qualified participants underwent assessments at screening, baseline (week 0), and subsequent intervals in accordance with the study protocol. During the fourth and eighth weeks, subjects randomly took a 1:1 ratio of psilocybin or diphenhydramine across two 8-hour periods. 

Individuals who completed the double-blind observation period (weeks 5 to 36) and still met safety criteria were offered an open-label psilocybin session at week 38, accompanied by 4 psychotherapy sessions and assessments over an extra 18 weeks.

Amount

The administration of medication involved oral ingestion through a singular opaque capsule to ensure a uniform appearance and weight throughout the study. Researchers based psilocybin doses on participant body weight to ensure a standardized approach. In the initial session, participants took a dose of 25 mg of psilocybin or diphenhydramine at 50 mg. If no dose-limiting adverse events occurred, and participants consented to an increase, the researchers increased the dose in the subsequent session.

What Did The Researchers Find?

Following the administration period, individuals who underwent psilocybin treatment exhibited a lower incidence of heavy drinking at a rate of 9.7 percent over the 32-week observation period. In contrast, the placebo group engaged in heavy drinking 23.6 percent of the time. The noteworthy mean difference of 13.9 percent suggests that the incorporation of the psychedelic compound, coupled with therapy, can significantly influence individuals struggling with alcohol misuse.

Safety Of Use

Individuals who received diphenhydramine exhibited adverse effects. One participant experienced two psychiatric admissions, citing suicidal ideation linked to binge drinking episodes. Another participant faced hospitalization due to a Mallory-Weiss tear resulting from severe vomiting during a binge drinking episode.

As for psilocybin, most side effects are the following:

  • Headache
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea

Possible Mechanism of Action

While the exact mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of psilocybin-assisted treatments are not fully understood, this substance appears to enhance neuroplasticity. This enhancement involves modifying neural pathways, cognition, affect, and behaviour, ultimately promoting greater psychological flexibility. 

By reshaping the neural networks associated with addiction-related habits, these substances may contribute to breaking free from rigid thinking patterns. This process may result in a reduction of substance-focused obsessive thoughts and a lessening of the tunnel vision and gravitational pull of cravings.

Talk Therapy As an Essential Tool

Professional oversight from well-trained therapists is essential in psychotherapy. This supervision is paramount for achieving successful outcomes. 

In the study, the therapeutic approach involves a multifaceted strategy by incorporating motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy tailored specifically for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Participants also receive psychoeducation and resources to empower them to skillfully manage and derive therapeutic benefits from the psychoactive effects of psilocybin. 

Psilocybin: A Therapeutic Breakthrough for Different Types of Addiction

Psilocybin extends beyond its exploration for alcohol dependence treatment; numerous studies underscore its effectiveness in addressing diverse forms of addiction.

According to a study from Johns Hopkins University, a fraction of subjects successfully abstained from smoking for at least 16 months after taking two to three doses of psilocybin at varying intensities.

Researchers in a study from Scientific Reports delved into data collected from U.S. adults participating in the NSDUH between 2015 and 2019. The findings of the study revealed a noteworthy association between individuals who had previously used psilocybin at any point in their lives and a decreased likelihood of developing opioid use disorder.

Couple Your Therapy with Shroom Gummies

You don’t have to explore the benefits of mushrooms using traditional methods like consuming dried mushrooms or brewing tea. An easy alternative method you can try is magic mushroom gummies, which can give you an easy and tasty way to experience their positive effects.

Mushroom-infused gummies resemble conventional gummies in striking ways, which underscores the need to safeguard them from children’s reach. These delectable treats contain varying levels of psilocybin and boast an array of flavours.

PRODUCTBRANDFLAVOURDOSAGE
Wonder Psilocybin GummiesWonderBlackberryCherry ColaCranberryWatermelon3000mg
Euphoria Psychedelic GummyEuphoria PsychedelicOrange1000mg
Mastermind Gummy FrogsMastermindBlue Raspberry1000mg
Mycology GummiesMycologyBlue RaspberryCherryStrawberryWatermelon1600mg or 2000mg
Shroomies Stars and BearsShroomiesGrapeVery BerryStars – 3000mgBears – 1000mg

Conclusion

Alcohol dependence is a significant concern, and seeking assistance from professionals can be instrumental in effectively managing this condition. Psilocybin, when coupled with therapy, represents a novel and promising treatment avenue for those actively seeking improvement in their current conditions.

Frequently Asked Section

Can I mix mushroom gummies with cannabis gummies?

Individuals occasionally combine mushrooms and cannabis. According to certain users, high-CBD products may alleviate the side effects associated with mushrooms, while elevated THC levels might intensify the hallucinogenic experience. The decision to experiment with this combination is a personal decision. If you are a novice, avoid mixing these two substances.

Are there shroom gummies that don’t cause hallucinations?

Yes. You can find gummies containing minimal amounts of psilocybin. This method allows individuals to enjoy the positive effects of mushrooms without encountering hallucinations.

What do shroom gummies taste like?

This particular mushroom-infused product adopts the flavour profile selected by its manufacturers. There’s no need to worry about your gummies carrying the distinct taste of dried mushrooms. Manufacturers mask the mushroom flavour in edibles to ensure your gummies have a familiar and delightful taste similar to conventional gummies.

How to consume shroom gummies?

Many experienced psychonauts recommend eating a little snack or fasting to increase the potency of the experience and speed up the absorption of edibles. If you want to consume gummies on an empty stomach, it not only intensifies the effects but also helps in averting the potential discomfort of nausea commonly associated with intense trips.

Can gummies improve productivity?

Shroom gummies may not directly improve productivity but positively influence mood and cognitive function. Elevating one’s mood can improve focus and concentration on tasks, potentially fostering a more productive mindset.

, A Closer Look at Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Alcohol Dependence, Days of a Domestic Dad