Groundbreaking Belgian Study Explores Magic Mushrooms in Alcoholism Treatment

BRUSSELS- A pioneering clinical study at Brugmann Hospital in Brussels is exploring the use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, to treat alcohol addiction. Over the next two years, 62 participants will receive low or high doses of psilocybin in an effort to develop new addiction treatments.

The hospital explained on social media that patients receiving psilocybin will also receive psychological support for 5 to 7 hours in a carefully designed, calming environment that follows psychedelic medicine standards.

Brugman Hospital’s Facebook

While countries like Switzerland and Australia have approved the use of psychotropic substances such as MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin under strict conditions, Belgium still classifies these substances as illegal narcotics, and related research is rare. The Brugmann Hospital’s psychiatric department began its clinical trial in early March after two years of negotiations to secure the necessary permits for psilocybin.

To date, about five participants have joined this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants range from 21 to 64 years old and are screened against stringent criteria to exclude those with psychotic or bipolar disorders, or with close relatives who have such conditions. All participants receive comprehensive guidance throughout the study.