Shrooms in the News Vol. 6: All the Guided Psilocybin Therapy Headlines Fit to Print

It’s that time, folks. I’ve once again sifted through the rubble of bombastic claims, obvious clickbait and mindless chest-thumping to bring you actual news about psilocybin therapy. 

Behold, your 6th installment of Shrooms in the News, a bimonthly roundup of what’s happening in the world of legal mushroom therapy in Oregon.

A Case Study in Psilocybin and Opium Addiction

“I’d say it’s already changed my life in so many ways.” 

Hear Richard Schaefer’s story about opioid addiction and how a trial at the University of Wisconsin helped him shake off his disorder and embrace his new self. 

Hope for Guided Mushroom Therapy and Fibromyalgia

While the cohort was extremely small, the findings are profound enough to warrant bigger and more comprehensive trials. Participants reported significant improvements in pain severity, pain interference, anxiety, and sleep disturbance, as well as modest increases in their acceptance of chronic pain.

Summary Findings on Psilocybin and Substance Use Disorders

While not a publication of a stand-alone study, a group of researchers got together and analyzed the data of 16 separate trials that have tested the efficacy of psilocybin therapy with substance use disorders.

While noting the need for more trials, they concluded that psilocybin-assisted therapy led to substantial decreases in alcohol consumption and notably high rates of smoking cessation.

Poison Control Reports Rising Calls for Psilocybin Use

This unfortunate news is a good reminder that we need an active support during our mushroom sessions. It’s powerful medicine folks, and we need measured and deliberate preparation.