Psilocybin as a Power Support

What is addiction and how does it work?

The British health organization reports that up to 1 in 3 people have some kind of addiction. A morning coffee, an evening gaming session, or a Saturday beer with friends are not bad, but what if we start drinking 5 coffees a day to be able to work? We do not fulfill our daily duties in favor of spending many hours a day online? And we celebrate every evening with alcohol to relieve stress and sleep better? According to the British health service, in these situations we start talking about addictions.

The reward system, regulated by dopamine, is responsible for learning and decision-making through positive reinforcement. Substance abuse initially increases dopamine levels, but long-term use leads to a desensitization of dopamine receptors, which can cause a strong motivation to continue using drugs in order to obtain positive reinforcement.

Dysfunctions of the dopamine system are also associated with depression, which may explain the co-occurrence of addiction and depression. Serotonin, which modulates dopamine release, also plays a key role in the reward system. Its deficiency, e.g. after chronic exposure to cocaine, may increase impulsivity and reinforce addictive behaviors.

How can we divide the types of addictions?

In a study published in Nature, scientists divided addictions into several types and stages:

Behavioral:

Addictions related to activities that provide intense stimuli and activate the reward system in the brain. These include gambling, social media, computer games, and compulsive shopping. They can lead to a loss of control over time and negatively impact daily life.

Chemical:

Addictions resulting from taking psychoactive substances that trigger the release of dopamine and endorphins, giving a momentary feeling of pleasure. They are the basis of alcoholism, drug addiction and drug addiction, leading to physical and psychological dependence.

The main stages of addiction

The addiction process involves a progression from occasional substance use to chronic and compulsive use. The literature identifies three main stages of the addiction cycle:

The intoxication phase

Initially, the effects of the substance produce positive effects, such as euphoria, a sense of relaxation, improved mood, or a temporary reduction in stress and anxiety. In this phase, the person often does not notice the negative consequences, and the pleasant experiences strengthen the desire to reach for the substance again. The reward mechanism in the brain is stimulated, which leads to the development of a strong association between the consumption of the substance and pleasure. At this stage, the addiction seems harmless, and the use is controlled.

Withdrawal phase and negative emotions

Over time, the body adapts to the presence of the substance, which leads to an increase in tolerance – increasingly larger doses become necessary to achieve the same effect. When the substance is no longer supplied, withdrawal symptoms appear, such as irritability, anxiety, depressed mood, insomnia, and in the case of stronger substances – even body pain, tremors or heart disorders. In this phase, the use of the substance is no longer motivated only by the desire for pleasure, but also by avoiding the unpleasant consequences of its absence. The person begins to reach for the substance not so much for euphoria, but to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Pre-occupation and anticipation phase

At this stage, addiction takes over thoughts and daily functioning. The addicted person begins to obsess about obtaining and using the substance, even if they have been able to abstain from using it for some time. Strong desires (cravings for the substance) appear, which can be triggered by stress, negative emotions, or contact with stimuli associated with previous use (e.g., specific places, people, situations). Relapses often occur at this stage, because the urge to reach for the substance becomes dominant, even despite previous resolutions to abstain.

Psychedelics in the Fight Against Mental Disorders

In the 1950s, a group of drugs were discovered that had the potential to alter consciousness. These new perception-altering drugs were called hallucinogens. The most thoroughly studied hallucinogen is LSD. Several studies have suggested anti-addictive potential, showing improved self-acceptance and interpersonal relationships, and reduced craving and alcohol consumption in the treatment of alcoholism. Does psilocybin have similarly promising results in the treatment of addiction?

Psilocybin, a hallucinogen found in some species of mushrooms, has recently gained a lot of attention in neuropsychological research. It has been shown to increase openness to experience, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, and improve mood, attitude, and social interactions even months after taking it. Double-blind studies suggest that a single dose can lead to lasting positive changes, lasting up to 25 years.

Furthermore, psilocybin shows promising effects in alleviating symptoms of depression in terminal patients, which highlights its potential as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of mental disorders.

Course and results of psilocybin-assisted therapy

In the context of alcohol addiction, research led by Dr. Michael Bogenschutz in the US has shown that the administration of psilocybin in combination with psychological therapy has significant benefits for people with alcoholism. In one study, participants who received two doses of psilocybin and attended 12 sessions of therapy showed a significant reduction in heavy drinking days by about 83% compared to the control group who received a placebo.

Similarly, in the treatment of nicotine addiction, research conducted at Johns Hopkins University has shown that psilocybin can help people addicted to cigarettes quit smoking. In one study, 80% of participants who received psilocybin in a controlled setting quit smoking completely after six months, an excellent result compared with traditional treatments for nicotine addiction.

Research in Poland

In Poland, research is also being conducted on the medical use of psilocybin. The National Science Center has allocated PLN 2 million for research on its use in treating depression, cluster headaches and alcohol addiction. These results suggest that psilocybin can become a valuable tool in addiction therapy, offering an alternative to traditional treatments.

A promising future

Now, with less legal pressure on psychedelic research, scientists have more opportunities to look more closely at these substances and find new areas of their application. Perhaps in the future, psilocybin in the treatment of addictions may become something completely normal, and the public will take a more objective look at the benefits they can bring to our lives.

Thank you for reading this article and we invite you to read the next one on the influence of psilocybin on creativity!

Literature:

1. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/addiction-what-is-it/
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/npp2009110
3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14737175.2016.1220834#d1e188
4. Johnson MW, Sewell RA, Griffiths RR. Psilocybin dose-dependently causes delayed, transient headaches in healthy volunteers. Drug Alcohol Depend 2012;123:132-140.
5. Bogenschutz, M. P., Forcehimes, A. A., Pommy, J. A., Wilcox, C. E., Barbosa, P. C., & Strassman, R. J. (2015). „Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study„. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(3), 289-299.