Recent research suggests that psychedelic substances such as psilocybin may help some individuals reduce or stop tobacco use, the BBC reported.
Globally, around 1.2 billion people smoke. Although about 70% say they want to quit, success rates remain low. Nicotine is highly addictive, and only a small share of smokers manages to quit each year. Smoking also remains a leading preventable cause of disease and death, which is why researchers are looking for new treatment approaches.
«One nail drives out the other»
Evidence from surveys and clinical studies indicates that psychedelics may change how people view their habits. Many participants describe a shift in priorities, saying they no longer see smoking as something that fits into their lives. Researchers think this change in perspective may help people overcome the mental barriers that make quitting so difficult.
Early controlled trials support this idea. In one study, participants who received psilocybin alongside cognitive behavioral therapy were more likely to quit smoking than those using nicotine replacement methods. After several months, abstinence rates were significantly higher in the psilocybin group.
Scientists are now trying to understand what is happening in the brain. One theory is that psychedelics temporarily increase brain plasticity, making it easier to break long-standing habits and form new ones. This period of heightened flexibility may make therapy more effective and support longer-term behavioral change.
At the same time, there are clear limitations. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, and existing studies have involved relatively small, specific groups of participants. It remains uncertain whether the results will hold across broader populations or over longer periods.
There are also practical challenges. Psychedelic substances are illegal in many countries and tightly controlled in research settings, which limits their use. In addition, possible risks and side effects are not yet fully known.
