Psilocybin in the Treatment of Smoking Addiction - Albert Garcia-Romeu

Psilocybin-assisted therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in treating long-term tobacco addiction through a program combining counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and high-dose dosing. Participants in this pilot study report that these sessions fostered shifts in future orientation, helping them prioritize long-term benefits while reducing immediate cravings for cigarettes. Psychological mechanisms like increased self-confidence, heightened awareness of the addictive process, and a greater cognitive distance from smoking urges are associated with the positive outcomes observed. Many participants also described profound, mystical experiences that triggered emotional release and a permanent reassessment of their life priorities and values, facilitating a successful transition away from smoking.