Research Suggests , Psilocybin Mushrooms , Could Help Heavy Drinkers Quit.<br />ABC reports that a new study found the compound <br />in psychedelic mushrooms may help <br />heavy drinkers cut back or quit entirely.<br />ABC reports that a new study found the compound <br />in psychedelic mushrooms may help <br />heavy drinkers cut back or quit entirely.<br />The results were determined through <br />the most rigorous research into the <br />affects of psilocybin on alcoholism to date.<br />Psilocybin, which is found in several species of mushrooms, can cause vivid hallucinations. .<br />It has long been used by indigenous people in healing rituals, and now scientists are also exploring whether it can ease depression or help longtime smokers kick the habit.<br />It has long been used by indigenous people in healing rituals, and now scientists are also exploring whether it can ease depression or help longtime smokers kick the habit.<br />Currently, psilocybin is still illegal <br />in the United States, however Oregon <br />and several cities have decriminalized it.<br />Currently, psilocybin is still illegal <br />in the United States, however Oregon <br />and several cities have decriminalized it.<br />Beginning in 2023, Oregon will <br />allow its supervised use <br />by licensed facilitators.<br />Participants in the recent study were administered <br />psilocybin or a placebo in two separate <br />sessions bridged by 12 sessions of therapy.<br />Participants in the recent study were administered <br />psilocybin or a placebo in two separate <br />sessions bridged by 12 sessions of therapy.<br />During the eight months after the first session, <br />patients who received the psilocybin <br />did significantly better than the other group.<br />During the eight months after the first session, <br />patients who received the psilocybin <br />did significantly better than the other group.<br />Almost half of the group that took <br />psilocybin stopped drinking entirely, <br />compared with 24% of the control group.<br />Almost half of the group that took <br />psilocybin stopped drinking entirely, <br />compared with 24% of the control group.<br />More parts of the brain are talking <br />to more parts of the brain. There’s <br />a possibility of really shifting in <br />a relatively permanent way the <br />functional organization of the brain, Dr. Michael Bogenschutz, director of the NYU Langone <br />Center for Psychedelic Medicine, via ABC.<br />The team's research was published <br />in 'JAMA Psychiatry' on August 24
