Using psilocybin to help patients with opioid use disorder who are on methadone
Evaluation of psilocybin as an adjunctive treatment for opioid use disorder in methadone-maintained patients who continue to use illicit opioids
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 ID | NIH-11044441 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently maintained on methadone but still use illicit opioids.
Not a fit: Patients who are not on methadone or those who do not have opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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, United States
- 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
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 below.