Federal Grant Funds Psilocybin Study for Cocaine Detox

Roanoke has become an unexpected setting for research into one of addiction medicine’s biggest treatment gaps. A psychiatrist at Carilion Clinic has received a federal grant to study psilocybin as a possible medication for cocaine use disorder.

Cardinal News reports that Dr. Albert Arias who leads addiction psychiatry at the clinic received the National Institute on Drug Abuse award. The study will examine psilocybin assisted therapy with funding that starts at $623,000 and could reach $3.5 million if the research moves through its planned stages.

Cocaine Has No Approved Medication

Cocaine remains one of the major addictions without an approved medication. Doctors can use methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder. Several medications can also help people with alcohol use disorder. Cocaine treatment still relies mainly on behavioral therapy and mutual support.

The challenge has biological and psychological roots. Cocaine produces an intense rush that fades quickly and withdrawal often brings depression and strong cravings rather than a dangerous medical emergency.

That crash can keep the cycle going for years with some people using cocaine to push through long workdays or demanding schedules, which can make the problem harder to spot.

The Study Starts With 27 People

Positive results would lead to a larger second phase. That stage would include about 90 participants who receive two doses one month apart. Researchers would also use brain imaging to examine how psilocybin affects the neural circuits involved in craving and reward.

Federal interest in psychedelic research has grown as well. An executive order in April directed agencies to speed research into psychedelics for addiction and mental health, and NIDA funding has followed.

Psilocybin remains a Schedule I substance. The research team therefore uses approved protocols and close oversight.

Why Supervision Matters

The researchers draw a clear boundary between a clinical study and trying psychedelics on your own. Street psychedelics can contain dangerous substances and an intense experience can become difficult to manage without medical support.

People with a personal or family history of psychosis face particular risks. The Carilion team says it is recruiting broadly across the community and people who currently receive treatment for cocaine use may still qualify.

Cocaine Treatment Today

Treatment for cocaine addiction currently focuses on behavioral approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mutual support can all play a role. Medical detox or residential treatment can also provide additional structure when someone needs closer support.

Cocaine withdrawal rarely creates a life threatening medical emergency but the emotional crash can still become serious. Depression and suicidal thoughts can follow heavy use so supervised care matters especially when someone has a history of depression.

Chest pain, seizures, severe agitation or an extremely high body temperature after cocaine use require emergency medical attention.

If cocaine has started taking up more of your life than you want it to, it’s worth talking with a treatment professional early. Call 800-996-6135Sponsored to reach a detox specialist or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. Search detox.com’s directory to discovery detox centers near you.