Can psilocybin help you quit smoking? Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don't quit, highlighting the need for effective interventions. Recent clinical trials out of Johns Hopkins University suggest that psilocybin, when used in conjunction with CBT or psychotherapy, can be an effective tool for breaking the cycle of nicotine addiction.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Psilocybin shows exceptional results in smoking cessation:
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Profound psychological shifts drive success:
Psilocybin works by uniquely enhancing cognitive flexibility and fostering transformative experiences that help users reevaluate their relationship with smoking, diminishing cravings and breaking entrenched addictive behaviors. In clinical studies, mystical experiences and deep introspection were strongly tied to achieving long-term abstinence.
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Combining psilocybin with therapy improves results:
The integration of psilocybin with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly improved outcomes, helping participants address the psychological triggers of smoking and sustain long-term behavioral changes.
Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease in Canada and worldwide, despite decades of research and intervention efforts. It kills more than 8 million people each year, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke, but less than 4% of smokers stop each year—even in countries where the most effective cessation interventions are available.
Traditional methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and behavioral counseling, often fall short in addressing the deep psychological and physical dependencies that accompany tobacco use.
Emerging evidence from clinical trials conducted at Johns Hopkins University suggests that psilocybin, a natural psychedelic compound found in over 200 species of magic mushrooms, may offer a revolutionary solution to smoking cessation.
This article explores the findings of these clinical studies, highlighting psilocybin's potential as a treatment for tobacco use disorder (TUD), and demonstrating its capacity to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and foster lasting abstinence from smoking.
Studies show psilocybin may help you quit smoking for good.
In 2014, the Johns Hopkins University research team conducted a groundbreaking pilot study, providing 15 long-term smokers with moderate and high macrodoses of psilocybin, combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for smoking cessation.
Moderate doses were 20mg/70kg (approximately 2 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms per 70kg), while high doses were 30mg/70kg (around 3 grams per 70kg). Participants, who smoked an average of 19 cigarettes per day for an average of 31 years, were followed for a period of six months after their treatment.
At the 6-month follow-up, 80% (12 of 15) of participants had quit smoking, far surpassing typical success rates observed with traditional therapies.
This result highlighted psilocybin’s potential to break the grip of nicotine addiction more effectively than conventional methods.
The study revealed another striking pattern:
Participants who experienced more intense mystical experiences during their psilocybin sessions were significantly more likely to remain smoke-free and reported significantly fewer nicotine cravings.
Two years later, in 2016, the researchers conducted a follow-up study to assess the long-term outcomes of psilocybin on smoking cessation. All 15 participants were evaluated at 12 months, with 12 participants (80%) assessed again after 16–30 months.
By the 12-month mark, 67% (10/15) were biologically verified as abstinent. After 16–30 months, this figure dropped slightly to 60% (9/15), which is still nearly 2x greater than traditional smoking cessation methods.
For example, the most effective smoking cessation medications like Varenicline and Bupropion SR typically demonstrate less than 31% abstinence at 12 months post-treatment in controlled studies.
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Notably, 87% of participants reported that their psilocybin experiences were among the most meaningful and spiritually significant events of their lives. This deep, transformative experience helped reshape their values and priorities in ways that made smoking seem irrelevant.
Such a shift in perspective is a crucial element in the success of psilocybin as a smoking cessation aid, providing participants with the emotional and psychological tools necessary to overcome the desire to smoke.
While the results are striking, it’s important to note that the sample sizes in these studies are modest, and further research with larger cohorts is necessary to validate these findings.
How psilocybin alleviates dependence and withdrawals.
Psilocybin’s therapeutic benefits extend far beyond alleviating withdrawal symptoms.
The natural psychedelic compound works primarily by engaging serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which plays a significant role in mood regulation, cognition, and perception. By enhancing psychological flexibility and altering entrenched thought patterns, psilocybin helps individuals break free from cyclical behaviors that reinforce addiction.
The study participants reported frequently experiencing profound feelings of connectedness, awe, and transcendence during their psilocybin-assisted sessions, leading them to deeply reevaluate their lives and fostering lasting shifts in perspective that reduce the power of smoking.
Participants also reported that psilocybin helped them view smoking not as a physical need, but as a deeply ingrained habit rooted in old, unhelpful mental patterns. This new perspective diminished the craving and desire to smoke, making the act of quitting more sustainable.
In addition to the psychological transformation, the trials showed that psilocybin reduces cravings and eases withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to quit and stay tobacco-free.
However, in a qualitative analysis of their clinical trials, the researchers emphasized that the content of psilocybin experiences was crucial in creating lasting behavioral changes, rather than just the short-term relief from physical withdrawal symptoms.
Another key factor in the success of psilocybin as a smoking cessation aid is its combination with psychotherapy.
The studies suggest that the insights gained during psilocybin experiences are best integrated when guided by a trained therapist, mirroring the results from other studies demonstrating the benefits of a trained guide or therapist.
This combination allows individuals to process and assimilate these insights, embedding the positive changes into their daily lives and ensuring that these shifts lead to lasting behavioral change.
Opposing views: Challenges and limitations.
Despite the promising evidence, some critics argue that psilocybin-based treatments are not a universal solution for tobacco addiction. There are concerns about the unpredictability of psychedelic experiences, the need for careful dosage control, and the lack of standardized protocols for treatment. Moreover, the stigma surrounding psychedelics may deter many from seeking psilocybin-assisted therapy, even though the potential benefits are clear.
However, the data from Johns Hopkins University’s clinical trials, as well as from other psychedelic research, suggest that psilocybin’s therapeutic potential is significant.
With controlled environments, proper dosages, and the integration of psychotherapy, the challenges associated with its use can be mitigated.
Furthermore, ongoing research is refining the protocols for psilocybin use in addiction treatment, paving the way for more standardized and safer applications of this innovative therapy.
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How to use psilocybin to quit smoking?
According to the study, macrodosing psilocybin mushrooms offers a promising approach to quitting smoking, whether you're exploring it independently or within a structured, guided program.
Below, we outline two potential paths you can take to quit smoking with psilocybin:
1. A self-guided path based on clinical study methodologies, so you can try quitting on your own
2. An assisted path working with a professional practitioner for guidance and support (recommended)
1. A Self-guided Approach to Quitting Smoking With Psilocybin
If you're considering a self-guided journey, replicating the methodologies used in the Johns Hopkins studies can serve as a useful framework.
Here's a breakdown:
Dosage and Timing:
- Number of doses:
In the Johns Hopkins studies, participants received three psilocybin sessions spaced several weeks apart.
- When to take each dose:
The first session involved a moderate dose (~2g of psilocybin mushrooms per 70kg of bodyweight), allowing participants to acclimate to the effects of psilocybin. Subsequent sessions used higher doses (~3g of psilocybin mushrooms per 70kg of bodyweight) to deepen the experience.
- Spacing between doses:
The sessions were spaced approximately 2–3 weeks apart, giving participants time to integrate insights and reinforce their commitment to quitting.
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Preparation:
- Set clear intentions:
Reflect on your goal to quit smoking and write it down. This focus can shape the psilocybin experience and provide a sense of purpose.
- Build a supportive environment:
Choose a quiet, safe setting where you won’t be disturbed. Have calming music, comfortable seating, and perhaps symbolic items that remind you of your intention.
- Educate yourself:
Understand the potential effects of psilocybin and how to navigate the experience. This reduces anxiety and prepares you for the journey.
Read: 3 Tips to Prepare You For Your Magic Mushroom Trip
The Psilocybin Sessions:
- Before the session:
Participants in the studies used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and address the triggers and habits associated with smoking. Consider working through CBT exercises using an app (e.g., Quit Genius) or partnering with an online therapist.
- During the session:
Participants were encouraged to relax, reflect on their smoking behavior, and engage fully with the experience. A trusted friend or trip sitter can offer emotional support and help maintain a sense of safety.
- After the session:
Integration is key. Reflect on your experience, journal your insights, and revisit your intention to quit smoking. Participants also continued CBT exercises to reinforce the changes and solidify their commitment to staying smoke-free.
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Ongoing Support:
Between sessions, participants were encouraged to avoid smoking and actively reflect on the values and insights gained during their psilocybin experiences. Regularly revisiting their motivations and strategies helped reinforce their progress.
2. Follow a structured program with a practitioner
For those seeking a more guided and supportive approach, working with a psychedelic-assisted therapist is highly recommended. Studies show that working with a professional trained in psychedelics not only increases success rates but is also more time- and cost-effective in the long run, given the reduced likelihood of relapse.
What to Expect in a Structured Program:
- Preparation sessions:
Your therapist will help you set clear intentions, understand the process, and prepare for the psilocybin experience. They will also incorporate evidence-based techniques, such as CBT, to support your smoking cessation goals.
- Guided psilocybin sessions:
A trained practitioner will oversee your sessions, ensuring safe dosages, managing any emotional or physical discomfort, and helping you stay focused on your intention to quit smoking.
- Integration sessions:
Post-session integration is critical for long-term success. A therapist will guide you in processing insights, re-framing your relationship with smoking, and building strategies to maintain abstinence.
Finding a Practitioner:
If you’re in Canada, browse our directory of psychedelic-assisted therapists to connect with professionals experienced in addiction treatment. A structured program ensures that every step of the process—preparation, the psilocybin experience, and integration—is aligned with your specific needs, maximizing your chances of successfully quitting smoking.
Final remarks.
The potential of psilocybin to aid in smoking cessation is supported by both clinical studies and anecdotal evidence from individuals who have successfully used psychedelics to overcome nicotine addiction. By fostering profound psychological shifts, alleviating withdrawal symptoms, and promoting lasting behavioral changes, psilocybin represents a promising addition to the toolkit for treating tobacco use disorder.
While further research is needed to fully understand the optimal use and dosing of psilocybin in this context, the early evidence is compelling.
As society continues to confront the devastating effects of smoking, psilocybin could become an essential tool in the fight against tobacco addiction, offering a novel and powerful solution for those struggling to break free from nicotine’s grip.
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