Single Dose of Psilocybin With Therapy Shows Promise Treating Cocaine Addiction, Study Finds

A groundbreaking clinical trial published by the American Medical Association (AMA) has found that a single dose of psilocybin, administered alongside psychotherapy, may be both safe and effective in treating cocaine use disorder (CUD). The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Alabama, Johns Hopkins University, and the Karolinska Institute, offers hope for a condition with historically limited treatment options. As noted in the publication, “no medications have been proven effective” for CUD, making these findings especially significant

The rigorously designed trial involved 36 participants meeting diagnostic criteria for cocaine use disorder. Each underwent psychotherapy based on cognitive-behavioral treatment both before and after a full-day investigational drug session. Participants were randomly assigned either a placebo or a dose of psilocybin calculated according to body weight. Abstinence was confirmed through urinalysis, and the results showed that the psilocybin group achieved significantly more cocaine-free days and higher rates of complete abstinence compared to those receiving the placebo

Researchers emphasized the broader implications of their results, noting the inclusion of Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals—a demographic often underrepresented in psychedelic research. “The present study demonstrates that psilocybin treatment can be feasibly implemented with Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals vulnerable to the adverse impacts of CUD but understudied in psychedelic research,” the authors wrote. This focus on diversity strengthens the relevance and applicability of the study’s findings

The research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for various substance use disorders. According to the study, “psilocybin appeared to be safe and efficacious for treating cocaine use disorder among individuals from underrepresented and vulnerable populations,” though the authors caution that further research is necessary to confirm and expand upon these results. Parallel studies have also highlighted psilocybin’s effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption and aiding smoking cessation, as noted in other recent AMA publications and federal research initiatives

Interest in psychedelic therapies is rising amid legislative reform efforts in the U.S., fueled by studies showing increases in microdosing and broader use of substances like psilocybin. However, federal restrictions continue to pose barriers to research and clinical application, as psilocybin remains a Schedule I controlled substance. Despite these challenges, agencies such as the National Institutes of Health have recently allocated significant funding to explore psychedelic-assisted treatments for various addictions, including methamphetamine use disorder

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, this study marks a pivotal moment for addiction treatment research, signaling that psychedelic-assisted therapies could soon play a greater role in addressing unmet medical needs. The representation of vulnerable populations and robust clinical outcomes set a new standard for future trials. As regulatory landscapes evolve and interest in alternative treatments grows, the global cannabis and psychedelics industries should closely monitor these developments for their potential to reshape addiction care