LSU Health Shreveport is set to initiate a clinical trial examining the use of psilocybin in treating methamphetamine addiction. The study, conducted at the Louisiana Addiction Research Center (LARC), seeks to address the growing concern of methamphetamine abuse and explore innovative treatment options. The research team includes Dr. Shawn McNeil, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine; Kevin Murnane, PhD, Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience; and Frances Vest, a PhD candidate.
The clinical trial will investigate the potential of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, to aid in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Methamphetamine addiction is a significant public health issue, and current treatment options have limited efficacy. This trial represents a novel approach to addressing this critical unmet need.
Dr. McNeil, Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program and Director of Neuroinformatics Research at LARC, brings expertise in clinical psychiatry and addiction research to the study. Dr. Murnane, Director of Basic Science Research for LARC, contributes his extensive knowledge in pharmacology and neuroscience. Frances Vest, a PhD candidate in the Murnane Lab, will also play a key role in the research.
The trial will assess the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in individuals with methamphetamine addiction. Researchers will monitor participants for changes in addiction-related behaviors, mental health symptoms, and overall well-being. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of psilocybin as a therapeutic intervention for this challenging condition.
