Psilocybin vs. Naltrexone: Which Holds More Promise for Alcohol Addiction Recovery?
If psilocybin therapy can help patients move through the stages of early recovery to the point where they are ready to move forward with medical and psychological therapy, it may be a highly useful component of medical addiction treatment in the future.
Can a psychedelic mushroom really stand up to a tried-and-true medication in the battle against alcohol addiction? Dr. Mark Leeds, an osteopathic physician with extensive experience in addiction treatment, tackles this intriguing question. In this episode, he examines the potential of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, compared to naltrexone, an FDA-approved medication for alcohol use disorder.
While naltrexone has been a staple in addiction treatment for years, psilocybin is gaining attention from top research centers like Johns Hopkins University and NYU for its potential benefits in treating not just addiction, but also depression and anxiety. Dr. Leeds dives into the latest studies and explores whether psilocybin could be a game-changer for those looking to reduce heavy drinking. Interestingly, Dr. Leeds also touches on the skepticism within traditional 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous regarding medication-assisted treatments.
He provides a historical context for these views and discusses how psilocybin might fit into modern recovery protocols, including the Sinclair Method, which uses naltrexone to help taper off alcohol. The episode doesn’t shy away from the risks either. Dr. Leeds emphasizes that psilocybin should only be used in controlled clinical settings and discusses the potential pitfalls of unsupervised use.
He suggests that while psilocybin therapy shows promise, it’s essential to approach it with caution and within the framework of comprehensive medical and psychological care. Whether you’re curious about new treatments or looking for ways to support someone through recovery, this episode offers a balanced view of the evolving landscape of addiction therapy. Tune in to hear Dr. Leeds' take on whether psilocybin could be the next big thing in alcohol addiction treatment.