There psilocybin, an active compound of hallucinogenic mushrooms, arouses growing interest in its therapeutic properties, especially within the framework of L'addiction tobacco. But what exactly is psilocybin, and how could smokers help themselves with their dependence?
History of the use of psychedelics
THE psychedelic were studied for their Therapeutic effects from the 1950s. However, their use has long been controversial, which slowed research. Today, the scientific interest in these substances is experiencing a renewal, with promising studies on their use in the smoking cessation.
Smoking: a global scourge
Smoking is responsible for the death of 8 million people each year, of which 1.3 million passive smokers. Despite the efforts to stop, only 5 % of smokers arrive without help.
Why is it so difficult to quit smoking?
Nicotine dependence is one of the most difficult to overcome due to its impact on the brain. Irresistible desires and withdrawal symptoms make the process of stopping extremely complex.
Psilocybin as a help with smoking cessation
"It would seem that psychedelic substances are mistaken in the drug list."
If the psychedelic are still prohibited in France, more and more scientists are studying their benefits. Their active ingredient, deemed without dependence, could help in care against depression, smoking, alcoholism or even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Video explanations in Michel Cimes' program "The powers of the human being" :
Promising studies and results
One of the main clues on how psilocybin could help people quit smoking comes from a 2017 study entitled Long-Term Follow-Up of Psilocybin-Facilitated Smoking Cessation. In this study, Researchers were interested in long -term monitoring of a year or more after the psilocybin treatment of a previous pilot study.
This research was discussed in a interview With Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu de la Faculty of Medicine of the'Johns Hopkins University, which was part of the aforementioned study, with Dr. Matt Johnson.
The interview was carried out by Psychology Today. Among the results they met,
Garcia-Romeu explained:
«Our most effective treatments tend to have long -term success in around a third of the people who use them, which leaves a lot of room for improvement. Our first pilot study published in 2014 revealed that for 15 smokers who received 2 to 3 high doses of psilocybin with a CT, 80 % stopped smoking and remained abstinent 6 months later.
There are other studies on this subject.
In a 2022 review entitled Associations between classic psychedelics and dependence on nicotine in a representative sample at the national level,
researchers "have tested if use for life of Classic psychedelic (Tryptamine, lysergamide and phenethylamine) was associated with a lower probability of current nicotine dependence.
THE researchers discovered that thePsilocybine use for life was associated with "a reduction in the risk of continuous dependence on nicotine", As was the case with mescaline.
Precautions and side effects
Although the psilocybin is generally well tolerated, it can cause side effects such as anxiety, an increase in pressure arterial and illness of head.
Importance of a therapeutic framework
It is crucial that the psilocybin is administered in a therapeutic framework secure, under the supervision of health professionals, to minimize risks and maximize profits
Drug classification according to their danger:
Conclusion
Psilocybin offers a glimmer of hope for smokers wishing to free themselves from their dependence. Although promising, this approach requires more research to confirm its long -term efficiency and safety.
Faq
1. Is psilocybin legal?
The legality of the psilocybin varies according to the country. In some places, it is strictly prohibited, while others allow its therapeutic use under medical supervision.
2. What are the side effects of psilocybin?
Side effects may include anxiety, headache and an increase in blood pressure. These effects are generally temporary and manageable.
3. Can we use psilocybin without medical supervision?
It is strongly not recommended to use psilocybin without medical supervision due to potential risks and powerful psychedelic effects.
4. Is psilocybin effective for all smokers?
The results may vary from person to person. Some people may find the psilocybin very effective, while others may not feel the same effects.
5. How is a psilocybine therapy session?
A typical session takes place in a controlled environment, often with music and therapeutic support to guide the patient through the experience.
Warning :
All the information contained in this article is based on sources and references, and all the opinions expressed are mine. I do not give advice to anyone and although I am happy to discuss subjects, if someone has another question or concern, he should ask for advice from a competent specialist. People who suffer from psychiatric, neurological or cardiovascular disorders or who use psychiatric drugs should completely avoid psychedelic and other drugs.
