The science of psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder

Calgary, AB – University of Calgary researchers with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute are about to conduct the largest single-site clinical trial of its kind in Canada to find out whether combining a known therapy with psychedelics could be a viable treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

“Our study will help determine whether psilocybin combined with motivational enhancement therapy is a clinically feasible treatment for alcohol use disorder. We need to have scientific evidence about whether psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is an effective intervention.”

Dr. Leah Mayo, PhD, principal investigator and Parker Chair in Psychedelics at the Cumming School of Medicine

Researchers will recruit 128 people diagnosed with AUD. Participants will be assigned to a specially trained therapist who will support them for the entire trial. Structured therapy sessions will be conducted before and after the psilocybin treatment. Mayo says the study will show whether a brief, intense therapeutic experience is enough for change to happen.

“Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is something that is widely talked about, but not everyone agrees on what it means. This is particularly true for the psychotherapy component,” says Mayo. “We want to start with psychotherapy, which is effective on its own for some in this population, and then determine if adding psilocybin will improve the effectiveness of treatment.”

Mayo says one of the most important things in testing and developing new treatments is to develop a standardized protocol that can be replicated anywhere, so that the science can be validated and new interventions can emerge. Co-principal investigator Dr. David Hodgins, PhD, will train the therapists.

“It’s important to collect solid and rigorous information on the use of psychedelic therapy. Alcohol use disorder is complex. There isn’t one magic bullet that will be helpful for everyone. I’m interested in discovering whether this combination therapy could be an effective treatment for some

Dr. David Hodgins, PhD, co-principal investigator, professor in the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Arts

“I’ve worked with lots of people with alcohol problems. I’ve seen them struggle,” says Hodgins. “I welcome improvements. I understand the appeal of the idea of psychedelic therapy, but we need science to support using it as a first line treatment.”

Hodgins adds families and friends play a significant role in supporting someone who comes forward for treatment, and in helping them stay in treatment. However, he says pressuring or forcing someone into treatment rarely works. If you are interested in participating in the study, email pactlab@ucalgary.ca.

The study is supported by the Canadian Institutes in Health Research. Filament Health is supplying safe, standardized, naturally derived psychedelic medicines for the trial. 
 

Leah Mayo is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). She is the Parker Chair in Psychedelics and a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education at the CSM.

David Hodgins is as a professor in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). He is a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education at the CSM. 

Media inquiries

Kelly Johnston
Sr. Communications Specialist
Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Kelly.johnston2@ucalgary.ca
403-617-8691

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 35,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. Stay up to date with UCalgary news headlines on Twitter @UCalgary. For access to UCalgary news releases, images and b-roll, and details on faculties and how to reach experts, check out our newsroom at ucalgary.ca/newsroom.

Hotchkiss Brain Institute
The Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) consists of more than 300 scientists and clinician-scientists who are dedicated to advancing brain and mental health research and education. The institute leads the Brain and Mental Health research strategy at the University of Calgary, toward a better understanding of the brain and nervous system and new treatments for neurological and mental health disorders, aimed at improving quality of life and patient care. Learn more about the HBI.