New study links psychedelic use to 55% decrease in daily opioid use

By David Carpenter

According to a recent study, psychedelic use can provide an opportunity to end drug addiction.

While there is certainly no magic pill to cure addiction and emotional illness, psychedelics can sometimes put people in the right mood to achieve this lofty goal. And now, scientific evidence supports the idea that psychedelics can reduce opioid addiction.

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A new study from the International Journal of Drug Policy – an organization devoted to the research, debate, and critical analysis of drug use and drug policy – shows that individuals who use psychedelic substances can significantly reduce the likelihood of subsequent daily opioid use .

Using data from 2006 to 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the researchers surveyed a total of 3,813 people who reported substance abuse disorders. Of the group, 1,093 described illegal opioid use and 229 reported having used psychedelics in the last six months.

Researchers in the cohort discovered that “recent use of psychedelics was associated with a 55% reduction in the likelihood of daily opioid use”.

The authors noted that while the study was conducted in a naturalistic setting, as opposed to a clinical study where the data are viewed as more rigorous, there is growing evidence around the world that psychedelic use has a demonstrable decrease may be linked to addictions. For example, studies conducted at the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research show that psilocybin helps patients make smoking and alcohol cessation easier in clinical settings.

Anecdotally, there are plenty of examples of people trapped in addiction cycles, crossing an endless revolving door from addiction to rehab and back to addiction, who ultimately find solace from drug addiction through psychedelic therapies.

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Such was the case of Adrianne from Vancouver, British Columbia, who is the subject of the documentary “DOSED”. The film follows the 34-year-old through a living nightmare as she tries to get rid of her 10-year-old opiate habit. She shares how her drug use began at the age of 15 with alcohol as a gateway drug, which ultimately led to tougher substances like cocaine and heroin.

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By using psilocybin, Adrianne begins to discover the usefulness of psychedelics in solving the core of her problems. After she repeatedly slipped into addiction, she seeks help with the strong psychoactive ibogaine, a drug that is extracted from the African iboga root. She finally finds consolation through a harrowing experience.

Years after getting rid of her drug addiction, Adrianne credits psychedelics for providing her with an opportunity to approach her problems.

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“I feel like psychedelics have connected me more to myself and I have a better connection to what is going on inside me,” she says. “Whereas before, when I was doing harder drugs and not doing any personal development, I felt myself in our turmoil. I wouldn’t feel right And I would reach for something to numb it. Now I feel more connected. “

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.