Psychedelic showdown: psilocybin vs ketamine for heavy drinkers

NCT ID NCT05421065

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Peggy C Nopoulos Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a single dose of psilocybin or ketamine, combined with psychotherapy, can help men with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder drink less. Twenty men aged 25-65 will receive one of the two drugs and be followed for changes in drinking habits and brain activity. The goal is to gather early data on which approach might work better.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Psilocybin and ketamine (each given as a single oral dose alongside psychotherapy)
What this could lead to: If this works, it could point toward a new way to help people reduce heavy drinking by combining a psychedelic drug with talk therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 20 men, so results may not apply to everyone. It is too early to know if either treatment is truly effective or safe for alcohol use disorder.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

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