Using psilocybin to help patients with opioid use disorder who are on methadone
Official title: Evaluation of psilocybin as an adjunctive treatment for opioid use disorder in methadone-maintained patients who continue to use illicit opioids
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11044441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a single dose of psilocybin can help people who are already on methadone for opioid use disorder but are still using other opioids, and it’s specifically for folks in New York and New Mexico who might not have easy access to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,244,725 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DA062088-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently maintained on methadone but still use illicit opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on methadone or those who do not have opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, as an additional treatment for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are already receiving methadone but continue to use illicit opioids. The study will recruit participants from opioid treatment programs in New York and New Mexico, focusing on marginalized communities. Participants will receive a single dose of psilocybin in a controlled setting while continuing their methadone treatment, with the aim of improving their treatment outcomes. The research employs an innovative adaptive design to assess the effectiveness of this combined approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that enhances recovery outcomes for patients struggling with opioid addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Early trials of psilocybin for substance use disorders have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bogenschutz, Michael Parks — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bogenschutz, Michael Parks
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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.