Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for methamphetamine dependence: a case report involving daily methamphetamine use
2024

Psilocybin-assisted therapy for methamphetamine dependence: a case report

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Brett Jonathan, Knock Elizabeth, Watson Kathy, Albert Steven, Siefried Krista J., Guss Jeffrey

Primary Institution: St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Hypothesis

Can psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy effectively treat methamphetamine dependence?

Conclusion

The case suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy may be a safe and effective approach for treating methamphetamine dependence.

Supporting Evidence

  • The participant experienced significant cognitive and emotional shifts after therapy.
  • She maintained abstinence from methamphetamine for 3 months following treatment.
  • Improvements in mental health, self-esteem, and mindfulness were reported.

Takeaway

This study shows that a person who used methamphetamine every day was able to stop using it and feel better after trying a special therapy with psilocybin, a substance found in certain mushrooms.

Methodology

The study involved a single-arm, open-label clinical trial assessing the feasibility and safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy for methamphetamine dependence, including preparatory and integration psychotherapy sessions.

Limitations

The findings are based on a single case and may not be generalizable to broader populations.

Participant Demographics

The participant was a 36-year-old transwoman with a history of daily methamphetamine use.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1490907

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