Microdosing To Treat Alcoholism

Microdosing to treat Alcoholism  

The World Health Organization recently announced that Europe holds the dubious honour of the highest alcohol consumption in the world. With this in mind, the current research into the medicinal benefits of microdosing psychedelics, including how it could treat alcoholism, takes on a whole new level of importance.

The Tragedies of Alcohol 

Although Europe may have the highest levels of heavy drinking, the world as a whole is seeing a steady annual increase in alcohol consumption. Alcohol has long been intertwined with humanity, starting from when the first humanoid ate a fermented fruit. Traditionally, as well as a pleasurable activity, consuming alcohol took an important role in social/religious gatherings. It encouraged bonding within communities and aided celebration, creating a sense of occasion. However, in recent times it seems excess is the name of the game. More and more people are becoming dependent on alcohol, just to get through the day.   

We are talking, of course, about Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD or Alcoholism). Alcoholism usually derives from a mixture of environmental, psychological, social, and biological factors. For example, when we drink chronically (habitually over a long period of time), an individual’s brain starts to rely on chemicals which are produced from ingesting alcohol. Therefore, when the chronic drinker stops consuming alcohol, they may suffer withdrawals of varying degrees. This makes it considerably more difficult for heavy users to stop. 

Alcoholism — which falls under the umbrella of addiction — can lead to other diseases. These include organ failure, cirrhosis, and various cancers, which culminate in premature death. Globally, the burden of alcohol abuse is written on the wall; Europe, for example, sees about 800 people a day die from alcohol related deaths. And, 30% of these deaths are linked to/caused by cancers triggered by alcohol consumption.   

Do we need alcohol?

The most common reason to begin to use alcohol excessively is usually to reduce some form of stress. Alcohol can temporarily decrease stress by producing more gamma-Aminobutyric acid, or ‘GABA’. The GABA is our brain’s main molecule and its main inhibitor — interestingly it functions very similarly to valium. When put it in simple terms, drinking is usually done for one of two reasons: 1. To increase positivity, or 2. To suppress the negative. When people begin to rely on alcohol to reach these goals, it can turn into addiction. 

So, through this simplification, we can draw parallels with the act of drinking alcohol and microdosing psychedelics. However, there are some vastly important differences. Many people drink to reduce stress and improve their mood — exactly the reasons that people have started microdosing! But, unlike alcohol which can be devastating to health and cause addiction, microdosing is both non-addictive and good for you. Could this be the answer for those afflicted with alcohol dependence? Scientific research and medical studies certainly seem to think so. 

Microdosing to help treat alcoholism  

Microdosing, particularly microdosing magic truffles, shows positive results in the fight against alcoholism. The main psychoactive compounds present in magic truffles work on our brain’s neurotransmitters. They change the way serotonin communicates, increasing levels of it.  As you may know, serotonin is known as one of the ‘happy hormones’. So, with extra serotonin, we alter our mentality and mood.  

Psychedelics as a treatment for many different kinds of addictions, from alcoholism to nicotine, have been studied at length, and continue to be. The results are suggesting that microdosing has a great potential to help combat addiction. What makes magic truffles so magical however, is that unlike pharmaceutical drugs sometimes prescribed to alcoholics, there are no risks of mental or physical addiction. In this way users are not simply replacing one addiction with another. 

Recently, a research team at John Hopkins University conducted a study on the benefits of psychedelic treatment for alcoholism. Of the 343 people that participated, 72% of that number had what is counted as ‘severe alcoholism’ (25+ beverages a day). After the study, 83% of the participants no longer fell under the spectrum of ‘alcoholics’. 

Helping Alcoholics and Their Loved Ones

Alcoholism is a disease that carries large burdens — not just for the individual, but also their friends and family, and loved ones. In general, those who suffer from addictions require serious care and attention. And until now, typical treatments have been able to alleviate symptoms and help them quit. But, often these treatments do not really tackle why someone becomes addicted in the first place. Microdosing magic truffles or mushrooms is a natural treatment which can help end an uncontrollable urge for drinking, but also get to the bottom of it emotionally. Psychedelics affect your brain in a way that forces it to self-reflect, and explore your inner-self. 

Microdosing is at its most effective when combined with therapy. Therefore, if you are considering microdising to treat alcohol addiction, we recommend you join a program or therapy sessions alongside it. Talk to your health-care provider today!