Imperial’s Psychedelic Research Dives Into Psilocybin For Gambling Addiction

Addiction can make it feel like something else is controlling your brain. Activities that used to bring you joy might now seem lacklustre, with relief coming only through the addiction. 

Researchers at Imperial are actively seeking solutions, turning to psychedelics such as psilocybin for help. They’re studying if these substances from a magic mushroom dispensary can reset the brain’s reward system and help with addiction.

Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, also known as ludomania/compulsive gambling, is a problem wherein individuals cannot cease gambling even when it causes harm to them. It manifests as an intense fixation on gambling, which results in financial strains, relationship problems and mental health issues.

The reason gambling can be so addictive is because it affects the brain’s reward system. When people gamble, it makes their brains release dopamine, which makes them feel good. This feeling of pleasure makes them want to gamble more and more, even if it’s causing problems in their lives.

Common Treatment for Compulsive Gambling

These methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and joining support groups like Gamblers Anonymous.

• • Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a common approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviours linked to gambling. It teaches people how to deal with their cravings to gamble and also deals with any emotional issues that might be causing their addiction.

• • Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a type of counselling that aims to boost a person’s motivation to change. Therapists help people explore their feelings about gambling and find reasons within themselves to make positive changes.

• • Support Groups

Support groups, like Gamblers Anonymous, offer a safe space for people to talk about their struggles with gambling. They get support and advice from others who have been through similar situations. These groups often follow a 12-step program that encourages personal growth and reflection.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Psilocybin is a chemical in certain types of mushrooms that can affect the brain. It has shown the potential to help with problems where people have unhealthy thoughts and behaviours. By shifting how the brain works and improving its connection to addiction and compulsive behaviour, psilocybin therapy could help treat gambling addiction. It aims to fix the brain circuits that cause addictive behaviours, leading to lasting changes in behaviour.

What the Experts Say

Dr. Rayyan Zafar, a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial’s Centre for Psychedelic Research, expresses his interest in investigating if psilocybin therapy can help people with gambling addiction. He wants to find out if psilocybin can fix or make the brain’s reward system, which might be limited because of addiction.

Imperial’s researchers have been active in this field for nearly twenty years, conducting brain imaging studies and clinical trials using psychedelics for various conditions, including depression, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and fibromyalgia.

The Centre for Psychedelic Research, established in 2019, aims to bring together and expand this research. It is led by Professor David Nutt, a prominent figure in drug research and policy, along with Dr. David Erritzoe, a clinical senior lecturer in psychiatry.

Treatment Protocol

Psychedelic therapy is believed to help by changing how a person sees the world when they take the substance. According to Dr. Erritzoe, it can make you feel more connected to everything and give you new ways to think about yourself.

But it’s important to take the psychedelic in a safe place with support from a trained therapist. Dr. Erritzoe explains that they prepare patients well so they can handle the experience.

Dr. Erritzoe stresses that using psychedelics fits well with their therapy, so it makes sense to see how well they work together. Unlike regular medicines for behavioural problems, patients might not need to keep taking psychedelics to keep feeling better. He believes that just one session could have long-lasting effects on some patients. It could be the push they need to break free from addiction.

Results

Prof. David Nutt oversaw a study where they scanned people’s brains while they looked at gambling images. They found that people with gambling problems had stronger reactions to gambling images than those without.

Now, they want to see if psilocybin affects these brain reactions. They’re trying to see if psilocybin can help fix the brain’s reward system. Using brain imaging alongside therapy could make treatments even more personalized. Dr. Erritzoe explains that imaging can predict how patients react and respond to the treatment.

They will use a brand-new MRI system at Invicro, a research organization working with Imperial. Dr. Matt Wall from Invicro London says this advanced system will let them study how psychedelics affect the brain in detail.

Microdosing Shrooms From a Dispensary

Microdosing is a good way to carefully give the right amount for small, subtle benefits. Mushrooms with mind-altering substances like psilocybin have become popular as recreational drugs because they’re cheap to grow and easy to find.

Product Name	Evoke – Medicinal Mushrooms – Microdose Capsules	Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover	Kind Stranger – Microdose Capsules – Brighten
Ingredients	Psilocybin mushrooms, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lions Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail	Psilocybin, reishi, cacao, cordyceps, maca	Psilocybin (Golden Teacher strain), Schisandra
Benefits	Improves mood, encourages creative thinking, increases productivity and focus without euphoria	Boosts stamina, enhances love and connection, increases energy	Awakens curiosity, opens eyes, lifts spirit, provides clarity and focus
Recommended Dosage	1 cap/day for 4 days, then 3 days off, repeat cycle	50mg, 100mg, or 250mg pure psilocybin	250mg, 1 capsule
Onset	Varies	30-60 minutes	30-60 minutes
Duration	Varies	2-4 hours	2-4 hours
Psilocybin Content	100mg/200mg per capsule	50 – 250mg per capsule	250mg per capsule

Conclusion

The study on using psilocybin to treat gambling addiction holds significant implications for how we address addictive problems. If successful, psilocybin therapy could emerge as a potent new approach to assisting individuals with gambling issues. It’s an exciting move towards finding better ways to assist people dealing with addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a Psilocybin therapy session for gambling addiction?

In a psilocybin therapy session, you’ll be in a comfy place with supportive therapists guiding you. You might do exercises to think about yourself, listen to music, or do other calming things. It’s important to be open-minded and ready to work on your feelings.

How do I get ready for a Psilocybin therapy session for gambling addiction?

To prepare, you should get your body, mind, and emotions ready, with advice from your doctor or therapist. This could mean following certain diets, doing mindfulness activities, setting goals for the session, and talking about any worries you have.

What happens after Psilocybin therapy for gambling addiction?

After therapy, you might feel better for a long time, with improvements in your mood, behaviour, and quality of life. You might also be less likely to go back to old gambling habits. Many people say they have a new outlook on gambling, know themselves better, and feel happier and more fulfilled.