Psychedelics take on alcoholism: psilocybin vs ketamine in new trial

NCT ID NCT06405607

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a single dose of psilocybin or ketamine, combined with talk therapy, can help people with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder drink less. Eighty adults who have at least four heavy drinking days per month will be randomly assigned to receive either psilocybin or ketamine along with psychotherapy. Researchers will track changes in drinking behavior and brain activity over time.

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

What this could lead to

If this works, it could point toward a new treatment option for alcohol use disorder using psychedelic-assisted therapy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Psychedelics can cause intense psychological experiences and are not risk-free.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALCOHOL USE DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse alcohol dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Iowa Health Care

    RECRUITING

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••