The Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry is on track to start enrolling participants in a clinical trial assessing the safety, risk, and benefits of psilocybin for treating military veterans and first responders who have both posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The project will enroll about 40 participants starting in early 2025. Participants will first attend preparatory sessions to understand what to expect during treatment sessions. During the treatment session, two facilitators trained in providing psychological support will be present while participants undergo their psychedelic experiences. The group will be split in two, with half initially receiving a placebo before being offered the active drug at a later time. Afterwards, participants will attend several integration sessions to make sense of their experience. The study will provide important information about the safety of using psilocybin for a high-risk population and whether psilocybin assisted psychotherapy might be a viable treatment for those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges.