Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Psilocybin for treating substance use disorders?

Bas T H de Veen1, Arnt F A Schellekens2, Michel M M Verheij1

  • 1a Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|September 30, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

White Matter Changes During Manic and Depressive Episodes and Phase Switching in Bipolar Disorder: A Tractography Study.

Bipolar disorders·2026
Same author

Immunomodulatory effects of cannabis use: a multi-omics study in people living with HIV.

Brain, behavior, & immunity - health·2026
Same author

Neurotrophic and metabolic consequences of virgin coconut oil and ethanol: implications for growth and antioxidant defense.

Molecular biology reports·2026
Same author

Exploring Diagnostic Classification Prevalence in German and Dutch Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: An International Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

Transcultural psychiatry·2026
Same author

Effect of oxycodone vs. morphine as first-line opioid on new persistent opioid use after orthopaedic surgery: A prospective sequential cohort study.

British journal of clinical pharmacology·2026
Same author

Recovery Outcomes and Treatment Dropout in Patients with Complex Problems Undergoing Inpatient Addiction Treatment: A Naturalistic Prospective Cohort Study.

European addiction research·2026
Same journal

An overview of the safety and efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation for the treatment of chronic cluster headache.

Expert review of neurotherapeutics·2026
Same journal

Multiomics and proteomic insights into Alzheimer's disease biology in Down syndrome.

Expert review of neurotherapeutics·2026
Same journal

Remote deep brain stimulation programming in childhood dystonia: opportunities, challenges, and future directions.

Expert review of neurotherapeutics·2026
Same journal

The differential diagnosis of astrocytic neoplasms and its impact on treatment and prognosis.

Expert review of neurotherapeutics·2026
Same journal

Corticosteroids in withdrawal therapy following medication-overuse headache: a systematic review.

Expert review of neurotherapeutics·2026
Same journal

Clinical efficacy of lacosamide in neuropathic pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Expert review of neurotherapeutics·2026
See all related articles

Psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, shows promise as a novel treatment for substance use disorders (SUD). Research indicates it may help regulate mood and reduce cravings, offering a potential new avenue for addiction therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Current treatments for substance use disorders (SUD), including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, have limited efficacy.
  • Psilocybin, a serotonin-like compound, is being investigated for its therapeutic potential in SUD.
  • Serotonin system dysregulation is linked to mood disorders and stress hormone alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review human studies on the therapeutic effects of psilocybin for SUD.
  • To discuss the mechanisms of action, including receptor systems, brain regions, and cognitive/emotional processes involved.
  • To summarize preliminary findings from ongoing addiction studies.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of literature.
  • Search terms included: psilocybin, substance use disorder, addiction, depression, serotonin.
Keywords:
PsilocybinSubstance Use Disorders (SUD)cognitioncortisolemotionhallucinogensnetworksserotonin receptor

Related Experiment Videos

  • Discussion of potential efficacy and mechanisms of action.

    • Main Results:

    • Psilocybin administration may increase cortisol levels, activating the executive control network.
    • This activation can lead to improved emotional regulation, reduced negative thinking, and relief from persistent negative emotions.
    • Preliminary data from human studies on alcohol and smoking addiction suggest positive effects of psilocybin.

    Conclusions:

    • Psilocybin demonstrates potential as a novel treatment for substance use disorders.
    • It has a low risk of toxicity and dependence, and can be safely administered in clinical settings.
    • Further confirmation through large-scale, placebo-controlled randomized trials is warranted.