US EditionStudy Claims Magic Mushrooms Could Help Treat Alcoholism
Psilocin reduced alcohol drinking by lowering central amygdala neuron activity in female mice, who typically drink more, supporting psychedelic treatment for alcohol use disorders.
- On November 10, 2025, researchers led by Sarah Magee and Melissa Herman at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported psilocin reduced alcohol drinking in female mice after long-term ethanol exposure.
- Given psilocybin's emergence as a potential AUD therapy, researchers sought mechanistic insight as Melissa Herman, study co-leader, emphasized preclinical work fills gaps about psychedelic drug mechanisms.
- Psilocin decreased relative CRF1 activation in central amygdala subregions and acutely reduced ethanol consumption in two chronic-exposure ethanol models without locomotor behavior changes.
- Researchers say the findings provide mechanistic insight that may shape clinical interpretations, as the work offers a mechanistic window into psychedelic benefits for alcohol use disorders and emotional regulation across psychiatric disorders.
- Findings also appeared in mice with less severe alcohol exposure, and the study examined voluntary ethanol drinking measures and CeA CRF1 activity to understand therapeutic mechanisms.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Preclinical study supports use of psychedelics for treating alcohol use disorders
A psychedelic found in mushrooms is emerging as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorders. This possibility is due to a compound the body converts the psychedelic into called psilocin, but psilocin's mechanisms remain unclear.
Task force endorses move toward natural psychedelics for clinical, recreational use
Psilocybin is a chemical compound found in some mushrooms that has psychedelic properties. A state task force is recommending that the state move toward decriminalizing natural psychedelics for medical and recreational use. (Photo by Lynne Terry/Oregon Capital Chronicle)A state task force studying the pros and cons of natural psychedelics recommended that state lawmakers take steps toward decriminalizing natural psychedelics for medical and recr…
Psychedelics Calm Stress Circuits to Reduce Alcohol Drinking
New research shows that psilocin, the active metabolite of the psychedelic psilocybin, may reduce alcohol consumption by calming stress-sensitive neurons in the central amygdala. In female mice exposed to long-term alcohol use, psilocin dampened the hyperactivity of these neurons, temporarily reducing drinking.
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