Perceptions of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy and Standard Interventions for Nicotine Cessation

Nicotine dependence remains a leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide. Pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions offer modest efficacy with limited long-term success. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is an emerging approach to nicotine cessation with a growing evidence base. As PAP research expands, understanding how nicotine users' attitudes shape treatment engagement becomes critical. We surveyed daily nicotine users (N = 534) to assess their perceptions and attitudes toward PAP versus standard cessation interventions. Point-biserial correlations and multiple linear regressions examined predictors of treatment interest and credibility. Findings suggest that familiarity with treatment options predicts perceptions of credibility for both interventions (standard: β = 0.16, p < .001; PAP: β = 0.36, p < .001). Credibility in turn predicted willingness to initiate both standard interventions (β = 0.34, p < .001) and PAP (β = 0.71, p < .001). Past psychedelic use influenced perceptions of (β = 0.16, p < .001) and willingness to initiate PAP (β = 0.10, p < .01). Motivation to quit predicted attitudes toward both treatment options (standard: β = 0.25, p < .001; PAP: β = 0.27, p < .001). Providers might leverage these findings to tailor educational materials to increase familiarity, potentially improving adherence and outcomes.