Psychedelic single-dose therapy boosts cocaine abstinence in small trial
A randomized JAMA Network Open trial found that a single psilocybin dose, paired with psychotherapy, increased cocaine abstinence versus placebo among 36 participants, highlighting a potential new treatment since there are no FDA-approved cocaine-use meds. Experts say psilocybin may act as a catalyst for behavioral change via neuroplasticity, not as a maintenance drug. However, the small size, specific exclusions (no comorbid depression/anxiety), and recruitment nuances limit generalizability, and larger trials are needed. Notably, the study included a majority of Black participants, a first for psychedelic trials.
