Can a one-off administration of psilocybin reduce alcohol intake in patients with alcohol use disorder? A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Living with alcohol problems can be challenging, and current treatments do not work for everyone. This study tests whether a single medical dose of psilocybin can help people with alcohol use disorder reduce their drinking. Psilocybin is the active compound found in magic mushrooms, used here in a carefully measured, pharmaceutical-grade capsule. Participants will receive either one 25mg psilocybin capsule or an inactive placebo pill in a safe, medically supervised setting. Researchers will monitor participants over 28 days to see if the treatment lowers the number of heavy drinking days. They will also look at cravings, mood, quality of life, blood tests for liver health, and brain activity using MRI scans. The findings could help scientists understand if psilocybin is a safe and helpful tool alongside psychological support to support people trying to reduce their alcohol intake.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition where someone finds it difficult to control their drinking, even when it causes problems in their daily life or health. Many people want to cut down or stop, but existing medicines and support programmes do not work for everyone. Researchers are actively looking for new, innovative treatments to help people regain control over alcohol.
This trial investigates psilocybin, a natural psychedelic substance found in certain mushrooms. When given in a controlled, clinical setting with trained professionals, psilocybin is thought to help the brain form new patterns of thinking and break repetitive habits. In this study, doctors want to find out whether taking a single 25mg dose can significantly reduce the number of heavy drinking days someone experiences.
The trial is 'double-blinded' and 'placebo-controlled'. This means half of the participants receive the real psilocybin capsule and half receive an inactive dummy pill, but neither the participant nor the study team knows who received which until the study ends. This ensures the results are completely fair and scientifically reliable.
Beyond counting drinking days, the researchers want to understand how the medicine works inside the body. They will study changes in emotional well-being, cravings, blood markers of inflammation and liver health, and use brain scans to see how different areas of the brain communicate after treatment.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether a single 25mg dose of psilocybin can reduce heavy drinking days over 28 days.
- Open to adults aged 18 and over who struggle with alcohol use disorder.
- Compares psilocybin against an inactive dummy pill (placebo) in a secure, supportive setting.
- Includes health checks, blood tests, drinking diaries, and optional brain scans.
- Participation is entirely voluntary and does not impact your normal NHS medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and older of any sex who have been diagnosed with or struggle with alcohol use disorder, specifically those who experience frequent heavy drinking.
In this trial, a 'heavy drinking day' is defined as drinking about 60 grams of pure alcohol in a day for men (around 7 to 8 units, or three pints of standard lager) and 48 grams for women (around 6 units, or two large glasses of wine).
Because psilocybin is a powerful substance that affects brain activity and mood, clinical trials like this usually require participants to undergo thorough medical and psychiatric checks. People with certain serious heart conditions, a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, or those currently taking certain medications may not be able to join for safety reasons.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- You are aged 18 or over.
- You drink alcohol heavily on a regular basis (e.g. 6 to 8 units or more in a single day).
- You have concerns about your alcohol intake and want to cut down.
- You are willing to spend a full day in a medical clinic for the dosing session.
- You are comfortable completing drinking diaries and attending regular check-up appointments.
What does participation involve?
Taking part begins with screening visits where doctors review your physical health, medical history, and drinking habits. If you are eligible, you will have preparatory sessions with study guides to discuss what to expect during the dosing day.
On the treatment day, you will take one capsule (either 25mg psilocybin or a placebo) in a quiet, comfortable clinic room with healthcare professionals present throughout to support you. You will be invited to lie down, listen to music through headphones, and focus on your inner experience. The effects usually last between four and six hours, and you will stay until the team is certain you are ready to go home safely with an escort.
Afterwards, you will attend follow-up visits to talk through your experience, complete surveys about your cravings and mood, and keep a daily diary of your drinking. The team will also take blood samples to check your liver health and may perform an MRI brain scan to see how your brain functions after treatment.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
Will I experience a psychedelic 'trip' during the study?
If you receive the active psilocybin capsule, you will likely experience altered senses, intense emotions, and changes in perception lasting several hours. Trained staff will stay with you the entire time to keep you safe and comfortable.
Is the psilocybin used in this trial legal?
Yes. While psilocybin is a controlled drug in the UK, this trial uses specially manufactured, pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin under strict government and ethical approvals.
Do I have to quit drinking completely to join?
The main goal is to measure whether the medicine reduces heavy drinking days and overall intake. You do not necessarily have to be completely sober before starting, but your suitability will be assessed during screening.
Could I receive an inactive pill instead of psilocybin?
Yes. This is a placebo-controlled trial, meaning a computer randomly decides whether you receive psilocybin or a matching dummy capsule. Neither you nor the doctors will know which you received until the study is finished.
Does taking part replace my usual alcohol support services?
No. Taking part in a research trial is not a substitute for standard long-term alcohol rehabilitation or medical care. You should speak to your GP about continuing any ongoing support.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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