How Magic Mushrooms Can Help Smokers Quit?

 

 

Carine Chen-McLaughlin smoked for more than 40 years.

 

She didn't want to be a smoker. She'd tried to stop dozens of times over the decades. But she always came back.

 

Smoking was "one of my oldest, dearest friends," she said of her habit. "To not have that relationship was very, very scary."

 

Then she heard about a clinical trial to treat nicotine addiction with something a little unusual: magic mushrooms. Well, not actual magic mushrooms, but a little pill of a drug called psilocybin. It's the ingredient in mushrooms that gives people hallucinogenic visions.

 

New research shows that psilocybin might be an effective treatment for diseases such as depression and addiction. While the work is still in its early stages, there are signs that psilocybin might help addicts shake the habit by causing the brain to talk with itself in different ways.

 

(https://www.npr.org/2019/10/01/766057380/how-magic-mushrooms-can-help-smokers-kick-the-habit)

 

 

Using magic mushrooms (containing psilocybin) as a method to quit smoking is an area of growing interest, but it's important to approach it with caution and an understanding of the potential risks and benefits.

 

What Are Magic Mushrooms?

 

Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. When ingested, it is converted into psilocin, which affects serotonin receptors in the brain.

 

Research and Interest

 

Some studies suggest that psychedelics, including psilocybin, may help with addiction by promoting new perspectives and behavioral changes.

 

Research indicates that psychedelics can lead to increased openness and a shift in mindset, which may support smoking cessation.

 

How It Might Work

 

1.       Therapeutic Context:

The most promising results come from supervised therapeutic settings, where trained professionals guide the experience. This environment can help individuals process their experiences and reinforce intentions to quit.

2.       Altered Perspectives:

Psilocybin may help users confront their smoking habits and the reasons behind them, potentially leading to a more profound commitment to quitting.

 

3.       Emotional Release:

Some users report experiencing emotional breakthroughs or insights during sessions, which can be pivotal in changing long-standing habits.

 

Mechanism in Detail

 

The mechanism by which psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) may assist in quitting smoking involves several neurobiological and psychological processes. Here’s a breakdown of how it may work:

 

1. Serotonin Receptor Activation

·         Psilocybin and Psilocin: Once ingested, psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which primarily acts on the serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor.

·         Mood and Emotion Regulation: This activation can lead to enhanced mood, emotional release, and a greater sense of well-being, which may reduce the urge to smoke as a coping mechanism.

 

2. Altered States of Consciousness

·         Psychedelic Experience: The altered state induced by psilocybin can lead to profound insights and a reevaluation of personal habits and beliefs. Users often report a shift in perspective regarding their behaviors, including smoking.

·         Breaking Patterns: This altered state can help individuals break free from habitual thought patterns associated with addiction, allowing for new behavioral strategies to emerge.

 

3. Increased Neuroplasticity

·         Brain Connectivity: Psilocybin has been shown to increase neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This can facilitate new learning and behavioral changes.

·         Learning New Associations: With increased neuroplasticity, individuals may be better able to form new associations with smoking and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

 

4. Emotional Processing

·         Confronting Underlying Issues: Many smokers use nicotine as a way to cope with stress or emotional issues. Psilocybin can help users confront these underlying emotional challenges, leading to a healthier approach to managing stress without resorting to smoking.

·         Therapeutic Insights: The experience can facilitate deep emotional introspection, allowing individuals to understand their addiction more clearly and make lasting changes.

 

5. Behavioral Commitment

·         Intentionality: After a psilocybin experience, individuals often report a stronger commitment to quitting smoking. This intention can drive behavioral changes and reinforce the decision to stop.

·         Future Outlook: Many users gain a renewed sense of hope and purpose, which can motivate them to pursue quitting more vigorously.

 

6. Enhanced Emotional Resilience

·         Coping with Cravings: Psilocybin may help individuals develop greater emotional resilience, allowing them to cope more effectively with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Participants often report feeling a sense of strength and clarity after their experiences.

·         Reducing Anxiety and Depression: By addressing underlying mental health issues, psilocybin can help alleviate anxiety and depression, which are common triggers for smoking. Improved mental health can reduce the reliance on cigarettes for emotional relief.

 

7. Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness

·         Increased Mindfulness: The psychedelic experience can enhance mindfulness, making individuals more aware of their thoughts and behaviors in the moment. This awareness can help them recognize triggers and cravings as they arise, enabling them to respond more thoughtfully rather than reactively.

·         Behavioral Reflection: Enhanced awareness allows individuals to reflect on the reasons they smoke and the impact it has on their lives, leading to potential behavioral change.

 

8. Community and Support

·         Group Therapy Context: Many studies involving psilocybin include a supportive group or therapeutic context. This communal aspect can enhance the experience, as sharing insights and struggles with others can provide motivation and accountability.

·         Building Social Connections: The experience can foster a sense of connection with others, reducing feelings of isolation that often accompany addiction. A supportive community can be instrumental in maintaining long-term sobriety.

 

9. Changes in Default Mode Network (DMN) Activity

·         Brain Connectivity: Psilocybin is known to alter the activity of the DMN, a network of brain regions involved in self-referential thinking and the sense of self. Changes in DMN activity can lead to a reduced focus on the self, which may help individuals detach from their smoking identity and the associated behaviors.

·         Dissolving Ego Boundaries: This altered state can facilitate a sense of unity and interconnectedness, which may help individuals let go of old habits and embrace new identities free from addiction.

 

10. Potential for Long-Lasting Effects

·         Sustained Behavioral Change: Some studies suggest that the effects of psilocybin can lead to long-term changes in behavior and mindset. For example, participants may continue to experience reduced cravings and increased motivation to quit smoking long after the initial psychedelic experience.

·         Neurobiological Changes: The enhanced neuroplasticity induced by psilocybin may contribute to sustained changes in brain pathways related to addiction and reward, reinforcing new, healthier behaviors over time.

 

11. Involvement of the Endocannabinoid System

·         Mood Regulation: Emerging research suggests that psychedelics may interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in mood regulation and stress response. This interaction could help reduce the anxiety and stress that often accompany quitting smoking.

 

12. Integration Sessions

·         Post-Experience Reflection: After the psilocybin experience, integration sessions (often facilitated by therapists) can help individuals process their experiences. This is a critical step in making sense of insights gained during the psychedelic journey and applying them to everyday life.

·         Action Plans: Integration can also involve creating actionable plans for quitting smoking, helping individuals set goals and strategies based on their new perspectives.

 

Considerations and Risks

 

1.       Lack of Regulation:

Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance in many places, making it illegal and unregulated. This can pose legal and safety risks.

 

2.       Mental Health:

Psychedelics can provoke anxiety or paranoia, especially in individuals with a history of mental health issues. It’s crucial to consider personal mental health before proceeding.

 

3.       Not a Guaranteed Solution:

While some anecdotal reports are positive, psilocybin is not a guaranteed method for quitting smoking. Results can vary widely among individuals.

 

4.       Professional Guidance:

If considering this approach, seek guidance from professionals experienced in psychedelic therapy. They can provide a safe environment and support.