Nature-themed video intervention may improve cardiovascular safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder

Introduction Psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin has shown promise in Phase 2 trials for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Set and setting, particularly factors facilitating a connection nature, may positively influence the psychedelic experience therapeutic outcomes. But to date, randomized controlled of interventions enhance set setting psychedelic-assisted are lacking. Methods This was pilot randomized, trial Visual Healing, nature-themed video intervention optimize versus Standard procedures two open-label 25 mg dosing sessions among 20 participants AUD. For first session, Healing viewed videos during preparation session “ascent” “descent” phases while condition completed meditation preparatory wore eyeshades listened music playlist throughout session. second 4 weeks later, chose either or procedures. Primary outcomes were feasibility, safety, tolerability Healing. Secondary exploratory changes use, effects, anxiety stress. Results Nineteen (95%) (mean age 49 ± 11 years, 60% female) 14-week study. During an average 37.9 min 42-min there no video-related adverse events. Peak increase post-psilocybin blood pressure significantly less randomly assigned compared Alcohol decreased both groups stress, similar between groups. Discussion In this study, viewing feasible, safe, well-tolerated Preliminary findings suggest that potential reduce cardiovascular risks therapy, without interfering alcohol-related treatment Studies replicate our as well studies different other medications indications warranted.