Knocking on the Doors of Perception: the role of psilocybin in substance use disorder treatment

Introduction Substance use disorders(SUDs) are a major health concern and current treatment interventions have proven only limited success. Despite increasing effectiveness, still about 50–60% relapse within 6–12 months after [Cornelius et al ., Addict Behav. 2003;28 381-386]. SUDs defined as chronic disorders of brain reward system, motivation, memory processes that gone awry. Medication reducing craving substance is mainly available for alcohol dependence to lesser extent other substances. Hallucinogens may represent group agents with potential anti-craving properties subsequently in SUD patients. For instance, lysergic acid diethylamide(LSD) psilocybin previously been shown effectively alleviate symptoms nicotine dependence. Objectives New treatments preferably focusing on subsequent therefore urgently needed. The hallucinogen provide new option patients, given the beneficial results observed recent studies Methods Systematic revision literature. Results In 1950s, drugs alter consciousness were discovered (hallucinogens). Several suggested their anti-SUD potential, improving self-acceptance interpersonal relationships, use. As result its recreational popularity during 1960s, they banned 1967, greatly hampering scientific research this field. Recently, psilocybin, an hallucinogenic psilocybin-containing mushrooms has gained neuropsychological research, showing increase trait openness, cognitive behavioral flexibility, ratings positive attitude, mood, social effects, behavior even reported persistent changes attitude behavior. These findings might suggest valuable compound psychiatric conditions several additional providing supportive evidence therapeutic prevention. Conclusions With amount side effects SUD, there valid reasons further investigate efficacy safety treatment. On one hand, exert anti-addictive by negative emotional states stress. improve inflexibility compulsivity. Research handful published date. result, many important questions related complement working mechanisms remain unanswered. Before can be implemented more extensive Disclosure Interest None Declared