Long-term Follow-up of Psilocybin-facilitated Smoking Cessation
Background
A recent open-label pilot study (N=15) found that two to three moderate to high doses (20 and 30 mg/70 kg) of the serotonin 2A receptor agonist psilocybin, in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for smoking cessation, resulted in substantially higher 6-month smoking abstinence rates than are typically observed with other medications or CBT alone.
Excerpt from results
At 12-month follow-up, 10 participants (67%) were confirmed as smoking abstinent. At long-term follow-up, nine participants (60%) were confirmed as smoking abstinent.
Conclusion
These results suggest that in the context of a structured treatment program, psilocybin holds considerable promise in promoting long-term smoking abstinence. The present study adds to recent and historical evidence suggesting high success rates when using classic psychedelics in the treatment of addiction.
Responses