Hallucinogenic mushrooms to fight alcoholism? Researchers conduct a study in Amiens

A study on psilocybin, the active compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, indicates promising effects in addressing alcohol addiction. Researchers in Amiens conducted tests on rats, and the findings provide hope for individuals struggling with alcohol dependency.

Alcohol is the primary cause of hospitalization in France, yet it is not typically recognized as a drug in public perception. This misunderstanding is underscored by Professor Mickael Naassila, who heads a research group on alcohol and drug addictions at the CHU and Picardie Jules Verne University in Amiens. “Tobacco has long been considered a drug, yet alcohol is also a highly potent substance that wreaks havoc socially and health-wise.” he states.

He and his colleagues are investigating psilocybin, a key component of hallucinogenic mushrooms known as psilocybe. “Psilocybin is a molecule categorized among psychedelics, known for its ability to induce hallucinations. It has various effects on the brain, which we have been exploring for several years.”

The researcher emphasizes the renewed focus on studying psychedelics in treating psychiatric disorders: “It’s an old idea that is experiencing a resurgence, particularly in the context of treating depression and addiction.”

Research on psychedelics in relation to addiction commenced in the late 1950s; however, “there was a significant halt in the United States with Richard Nixon due to the prevailing fear of psychedelics at that time. Interest returned in the 2000s.” He and his team in Amiens began studying psilocybin and LSD for alcohol addiction in 2018.

Previous trials conducted elsewhere have demonstrated that psilocybin can significantly reduce dependence in alcohol-addicted patients in a “rapid and sustainable manner” with just one or two doses of capsules, “in conjunction with psychotherapy.” It also lowers the likelihood of relapse.

The results are hopeful.
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© CLAUDE ESSERTEL / MAXPPP

The experiments conducted in Amiens focused primarily on rats. “Before conducting trials on humans, we test on animals to first understand the mechanisms involved. These are what we call translational projects. The results we observe in animals are subsequently tested on humans,” explains Mickael Naassila. This method accelerates knowledge advancement, particularly since alcohol-dependent rats exhibit compulsive behavior and withdrawal, which are also present in humans.

The latest study conducted by UPJV was published in the journal Brain. In addition to confirming “the potential of psilocybin to combat alcohol addiction,” it also reveals “the mechanisms of action of this molecule,” as stated on the Inserm website. “Psilocybin reduces alcohol relapse in an animal addiction model,” noted Michael Naassila.

Psychedelics have a profoundly strong impact on the brain. “They initiate a reset within the brain. They can reconfigure neural pathways and stimulate neurogenesis,” which leads to the creation of new neurons, “and they may also affect neuronal growth factor receptors.” These psychedelics play a significant role in brain plasticity. “Neurons will form new connections and brain structures,” adds the professor.

Psychedelics evoke a powerful “mystical experience” in both humans and animals. The more sensitive individuals are to this experience, the more responsive they tend to be to the drugs. It creates a sensation of merging of the senses, leading to hallucinations and a feeling of oneness with the world. This is why these substances are administered in a medical setting for just one day under supervision.

Professor Mickael Naassila

“In addiction, we operate in automatic mode, losing control of our behavior,” which is a state that occurs when someone is under the influence of addiction. Psychedelics can help restore flexibility: “allowing for a change in behavior.”

In France, the Nîmes University Hospital has recently launched clinical trials involving alcohol-dependent patients who also suffer from depression. “We hope that Amiens will participate in clinical trials, but we still have a long way to go. There are currently insufficient resources for treating addiction.” concludes Mickael Naassila.

The Promising Impact of Psilocybin on Alcohol Addiction Treatment

A study on psilocybin, the active compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, shows positive effects in combating alcohol addiction. In Amiens, a team of researchers conducted tests on rats. The results offer hope for people with alcohol addiction.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is the leading cause of hospitalization in France. Yet, many do not perceive it as a drug. This misconception has been emphasized by Professor Mickael Naassila, director of a research group on alcohol and drug addictions at CHU and the Picardie Jules Verne University in Amiens. “Tobacco has long been classified as a drug, but alcohol is also a very powerful drug that causes social and health havoc,” he explains.

Psychedelics and Their Resurgence in Research

For several years, Professor Naassila and his research team have been focusing on psilocybin, an active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms known as psilocybe. “Psilocybin is a molecule classified among the psychedelics, which induce hallucinations and alter brain function. This is what we have been investigating extensively,” he adds.

Interest in psychedelics for treating psychiatric conditions has resurged in recent years. “This old concept is making a comeback, especially in treating depression and addiction,” states Naassila. The exploration of psychedelics in the context of addiction can be traced back to the late 1950s, but progress halted due to societal fears surrounding these substances. “After Richard Nixon’s administration, the study of psychedelics faced a significant downturn until the 2000s,” Naassila notes.

Research Findings on Psilocybin and Alcohol Addiction

The research team in Amiens began their investigation into psilocybin and LSD’s effects on alcohol addiction in 2018. Previous trials conducted in different locations have shown that psilocybin can significantly reduce alcohol dependence in patients, providing rapid and sustainable results after only one or two doses of capsules, particularly when supported by psychotherapy.

The results are hopeful.
•
© CLAUDE ESSERTEL / MAXPPP

The Experimental Framework

The experiments conducted in Amiens primarily focused on rats. “Before conducting trials on humans, we experiment on animals to explore various mechanisms. These translational projects allow us to test findings on both animals and human subjects to expedite knowledge advancement,” explains Naassila.

Rats show similar compulsive behaviors and withdrawal symptoms that are common in humans dealing with alcohol dependency, making them ideal subjects for this research.

Key Findings from Recent Studies

The latest study published by the UPJV confirms the potential of psilocybin as a treatment for alcohol addiction. It also sheds light on the mechanisms underlying psilocybin’s effects on addiction. According to the research, “Psilocybin reduces relapse to alcohol in an animal addiction model,” as highlighted by Professor Naassila.

Study Aspect	Details
Compound Tested	Psilocybin
Animal Model	Alcohol-dependent rats
Results	Reduced dependence and relapse rates
Mechanism	Brain reconfigurations and neural plasticity

The Neurobiological Effects of Psychedelics

Psychedelics like psilocybin instigate significant changes in brain function. “There is a reset within the brain that allows for restructuring. It promotes neurogenesis, or the formation of new neurons, and may influence neuronal growth factor receptors,” explains Naassila. This capability for brain plasticity allows neurons to forge new connections and adapt their structures.

Psychedelics harness a mystical experience aspect found in both humans and animals. Sensitivity to these experiences often amplifies the drugs’ efficacy. Users typically report a blending of senses, hallucinations, and a profound sense of connection with the universe. These substances are administered in controlled hospital settings for safety.

— Professor Mickael Naassila

The Role of Psilocybin in Restoring Control

Psychedelics may help users regain control lost to addiction. “With addiction, individuals often operate in automatic mode, losing control over their behaviors,” states Naassila. By restoring flexibility in behavior, psychedelics allow individuals to modify their habits and lifestyle choices. This is paramount for effective addiction treatment.

Current and Future Clinical Trials

In France, Nîmes University Hospital has initiated clinical trials with alcohol-dependent patients who also suffer from depression. While promising, Naassila cautions, “We are still a long way from broader trials, as resources for addiction treatment are currently insufficient,” he concludes.