Alcohol addiction is a widespread problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, yet it is not very well treated. Addiction is commonly referred to as a sickness or disease, but is set apart from other diseases in that there is a lack of medications that provide a cure or alleviate symptoms. With the intent of finding a pharmacological cure for addiction, this study is designed to test the efficacy of psilocybin against addictive tendencies, due to its newfound potential for treatment of various behavioral disorders. The study involves a single administration of either a high or low dose of psilocybin to a group of Long Evans rats, following a period of acquired ethanol self-administration. A sucrose fading procedure was performed to demonstrate a steady preference for ethanol self-administration in all rats. Once the psilocybin is administered, ethanol intake is measured over a period of 7 days. Following administration of psilocybin, alcohol consumption is expected to be remarkably reduced at both doses compared to the control group that receives saline. The sucrose fading procedure has thus far shown that the rats preferred more sugar within the sucrose/ethanol mixture, but may be on an upwards trend in alcohol consumption. If the results of the study suggest that psilocybin could be used to reduce alcohol intake, it could start the discussion to lead to a much wider variety of treatment options and potentially be applied to those struggling with all types of addictions.
Authors: S.J. Loberger1, J.D. Crowder3, O.Sandoval1, B.F. Roberts1, G.E. Petryk1, J.A. Jones3, M.S. McMurray2; Departments of 1 Psychology and 2 Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH; 3 Department of Psychology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH.
Advisors: M.S McMurray, Psychology. J.A Jones, Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering
Graduate Advisors: Oscar Sandoval, Brianna Roberts
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