[Solved] Does psychedelic therapy work against smoking?

Triptherapie appears to be a particularly promising approach for people who want to quit smoking. Its effectiveness relies primarily on the use of psilocybin — a psychedelic substance from truffles or magic mushrooms — and is supported by insights from neurochemistry and behavioral change.

Why psilocybin can be effective for smoking addiction, is supported by multiple mechanisms. First of all, psilocybin stimulates the production of BDNF, a neurotrophic hormone that neurogenesis (promotes the formation of new brain connections). As a result, old behavioral patterns — such as smoking — can be broken more easily and replaced by healthier choices. Additionally, psilocybin temporarily suppresses the dopaminergic reward system, which is heavily involved in addiction. During the experience, smokers often feel less need for the habit that previously held such a strong hold on them.

An important psychological component of the session is the so-called ego-death. At higher dosages, people often experience a deep connection with themselves and the world, causing ego-driven behaviors such as smoking to suddenly feel meaningless or even harmful. These insights can not only strengthen the motivation to quit but also sustain it.

At this review A client writes about a successful experience: after 35 years of smoking and countless failed attempts (including patches, vaping, hypnosis, and medication), a single session with psilocybin proved to be the definitive breakthrough. He no longer describes himself as a “pre-smoker,” but as a fully-fledged non-smoker — which makes a fundamental difference in his mindset.

Psychedelic sessions can bring about a behavioral reset, heightened awareness, and motivation. Moreover, the Triptherapie approach is holistic: nutrition, exercise, supplements, and mental preparation are all part of the process. This significantly increases the chance of success.

Do you want to get started? Then you can start with the filling out the intake form. This way, the team can determine whether a psilocybin session is suitable for your situation, and you receive a personalized, tailored advice plan.

If you are open to self-insight, change, and guidance on various levels, then trip therapy is a powerful and innovative path toward a smoke-free life.

A recent systematic review concluded that psychedelic substances – particularly psilocybin – may represent a promising route for treating tobacco addiction. However, the available research remains limited for the time being. Since 2022, reviews and pilot studies have primarily focused on psilocybin, with relatively little clinical data on LSD and virtually none on MDMA. In this blog, the key findings for each substance are summarized, including mechanism of action, study results, and side effects.

Psilocybin

Effectiveness and studies: Small clinical trials show impressive cessation rates. For example, in an open-label pilot, smokers followed three psilocybin sessions combined with behavioral therapy. After 6 months, 80% had quit, and after 12 months, 67% had still quit. (PMC). At a follow-up after an average of 30 months, 60% remained smoke-free. In a study with 44 participants, psilocybin + therapy was compared with nicotine patches + therapy: 59% versus 27% abstinence after 12 months. A double-blind RCT with psilocybin versus placebo (niacin) is currently underway (TrialX).

Mechanism of action: Psilocybin is a serotonergic 5-HT2A receptor agonist that induces deep subjective experiences (duration: 6–8 hours). These experiences can lead to insights and cognitive restructuring, contributing to behavioral change.

Side effects: Side effects during sessions include increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, or confusion. These are usually mild and short-lived (<24 hours). Headaches or fatigue may occur after the sessions, but serious complications are rare.

ConsiderationAccording to studies, psilocybin has the highest chance of being used against smoking addictions.

Link to service: Psilocybin therapy

LSD

Effectiveness and research: Hardly any clinical research has been conducted on LSD in smokers. Some anecdotal reports and a Dutch study suggest more frequent quit attempts among LSD users, but other studies actually show a link with higher nicotine addiction. No recent RCTs are known for this application.

Mechanism of action: LSD acts as a partial 5-HT2A agonist, with effects similar to psilocybin, but more potent and longer-lasting (8–12 hours).

Side effects: As with psilocybin, hallucinations and strong emotional reactions can occur. Due to the longer duration, 'bad trips' are often more intense. Psychotic episodes are rare but can occur at high doses or in case of psychological vulnerability.

ConsiderationSince LSD is similar to psilocybin, LSD could potentially also be used for smoking addiction. More research is needed.

Link to service: LSD therapy

MDMA

Effectiveness and research: There are no known studies in which MDMA has been specifically used to quit smoking. However, MDMA has proven effective in trauma treatment (PTSD), where it reduces stress and improves adherence. The link to smoking addiction remains speculative.

Mechanism of action: MDMA increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, leading to feelings of connectedness and euphoria. Unlike classic psychedelics, MDMA does not cause hallucinations.

Side effects: Physiological effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, jaw clenching, and sweating. Psychologically, sessions can be intense. Repeated use is potentially neurotoxic and poses risks to mood and memory. 

ConsiderationMDMA therapy could theoretically indirectly weaken smoking addiction, especially if smokers manage to alleviate a lot of anxiety with this psychedelic therapy.

Link to service: MDMA therapy

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Psilocybin stands out as the most researched psychedelic substance for quitting smoking. The results are promising, but further large-scale studies are needed. LSD and MDMA have not currently been proven effective for tobacco addiction. Psychedelic therapy is always combined with psychological counseling. Most side effects are temporary and manageable, provided they are properly managed.