Psilocybin for treatment of methamphetamine use disorder
Official title: Psilocybin in the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11443899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study is testing whether psilocybin can help people with methamphetamine use disorder feel better and stay abstinent, starting with a small, carefully monitored group.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $662,322 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DA067126-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with methamphetamine use disorder who are willing to participate in a tightly monitored trial involving psilocybin administration.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with contraindications to psilocybin or those unwilling or unable to participate in a pharmacological study.
What this research studies
This project will test the feasibility and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for methamphetamine use disorder in two phases. In the first phase, 12 adults with MUD will be randomized to receive either a 30 mg dose or a low 5 mg active placebo, with close monitoring of safety, recruitment, retention, and abstinence. If feasible, a second phase will enroll about 30 participants to further evaluate acceptability and potential efficacy, including quality of life and psychosocial outcomes, as well as how subjective experiences relate to results. The study is conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under experienced investigators to ensure rigorous oversight and participant well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new option to reduce meth use and improve overall well-being for people with MUD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized data suggest potential benefits for cocaine use disorder; this study extends exploration to methamphetamine use disorder.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hendricks, Peter S. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hendricks, Peter S.
Related research
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-
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Tirzepatide for Methamphetamine Use Disorder in adults with diabetes
A study will test whether an approved diabetes drug, tirzepatide, helps adults with methamphetamine use disorder who have diabetes.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.