Trial to explore the use of psychedelics for alcohol use disorder

Prof Paul Haber  - Researchers at the University of Sydney are embarking on an Australian first research trial into the use of psychedelics in combination with psychotherapy for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. The trial builds on a growing body of innovative research on psychedelic medications for substance use disorders supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund and pharmaceutical industry partners. The University plans to conduct a randomised placebo-controlled Phase IIB trial of a novel synthetic formulation of the naturally occurring psychedelic, psilocybin, developed by Sydney-based company Woke Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. The trial is designed to recruit participants with alcohol use disorder who are unresponsive to current therapies. Principal Investigator Professor Paul Haber from the University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District said alcohol has a major impact on public health, leading to a large burden of disease affecting individuals, families and the health system. "Alcohol use is directly related to cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions, digestive diseases, several forms of cancer and devastating physical injuries," said Professor Haber, Head of the Specialty of Addiction Medicine at the University and Clinical Director for Drug Health Services at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. "We urgently need to develop new and effective ways to help people with alcohol problems. We are excited to build on the early evidence that psilocybin may be a step forward in treatment." We urgently need to develop new and effective ways to help people with alcohol problems.