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Psychedelic Augmentation of 12-Step Engagement: A Novel, Accessible Approach to Enhance Community-Based Recovery from
Nicky J Mehtani1, Maha N Mian2,3, Gabrielle Agin-Liebes4
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|November 10, 2025
Summary
This study explores how combining psychedelic use with 12-Step programs aids addiction recovery. Participants found psychedelics enhanced their recovery by deepening Step-work and improving well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychedelic Research
Background:
- Existing substance use disorder (SUD) treatments have limitations.
- A novel recovery paradigm combines 12-Step programs with therapeutic psychedelic use.
- This approach is emerging amidst evolving psychedelic drug policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel addiction recovery paradigm.
- To examine real-world experiences of participants using psychedelics with 12-Step programs.
- To explore motivations, perceived benefits, and challenges of this combined approach.
Main Methods:
- Preliminary qualitative analysis of nine individuals in remission from SUD.
- Participants used ayahuasca, ibogaine, psilocybin, and/or peyote combined with 12-Step engagement.
- Data collected November 2022 - February 2023 via community partner recruitment.
Main Results:
- Motivations included challenges with sobriety and dissatisfaction with existing SUD treatments.
- Participants reported reduced SUD-related cravings and improved psychosocial well-being.
- Synergistic effects noted with specific 12-Step program steps (2, 4, 11).
Conclusions:
- Psychedelics may enhance addiction recovery by deepening Step-work and improving psychosocial well-being.
- Tensions with abstinence philosophies and risks of unsupervised use were acknowledged.
- Further research is needed into this accessible, low-cost recovery approach.
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