Hallucinogenic mushrooms to treat alcoholism, a unique experiment was launched at the Nîmes University Hospital

A first in France. In Nîmes, the University Hospital has just launched an experiment on the effect of psilocybin, a psychedelic substance contained in hallucinogenic mushrooms, on patients suffering from alcohol use disorders who retain signs of depression after withdrawal. . On average, half of patients relapse within six months after stopping alcohol, in particular because of depressive disorders which are linked to dependence. The psychedelic experience is done in the hospital, and it is very supervised.

The patient’s room with a sea view is transformed into a cocoon for the experiment. Plants, colorful sheets, light and soft music are set up to prepare the subjects for the psychedelic session with psilocybin. This substance comes from hallucinogenic mushrooms which is taken in the form of capsules, in the presence of a doctor. The patient ingests it blindfolded so as not to suffer visual hallucinations. During this experience, he feels intense emotions of joy or anxiety. The session lasts six hours but the effects on alcohol addiction and depression gradually take hold in the brain.

Learn to change behavior

“It promotes neurogenesis, it means that neurons grow and above all it allows the brain to communicate areas which do not communicate or which communicate less well and to increase its flexibility. This allows us to escape certain behaviors which are are a little fixed, such as for example addictive disorders or depression”, explains to Europe 1, Amandine Luquiens, addict psychiatrist at Nîmes University Hospital.

This experience is added to traditional psychotherapy care to avoid relapses. Thanks to psilocybin, patients learn to change their behavior more quickly. In just two doses of psychedelics, the patient could go into remission.