Outcome MeasureSubstance Use

PACS

Penn Alcohol Craving Scale

5 Papers in Blossom

Clinical Thresholds

030
Low craving
Score 0–10
Moderate craving
Score 11–20
High craving
Score 21–30

Outcome Data Across Studies

Reported results for PACS across 3 studies with quantitative data.

Outcome data across 15 study arm–timepoint observations
SD
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study
2015Secondary
Psilocybin(experimental)0916.05.6—
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study
2015Secondary
Psilocybin(experimental)28914.17.2—
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study
2015Secondary
Psilocybin(experimental)35911.98.6—
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study
2015Secondary
Psilocybin(experimental)56911.65.8—
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study
2015Secondary
Psilocybin(experimental)84910.06.6—
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study
2015Secondary
Psilocybin(experimental)168912.18.3—
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study
2015Secondary
Psilocybin(experimental)252913.09.6—
Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study
2024Secondary
Psilocybin(experimental)0516.06.4—
Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study
2024Secondary
Diphenhydramine(active_comparator)0614.73.7—
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for AUD: Bayesian analysis of WHO drinking risk level and exploratory analysis of drinking behavior and psychosocial functioning at 3 months follow-up
2025Secondary
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy(experimental)0————

Papers Using PACS

Open Accessindividual

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for AUD: Bayesian analysis of WHO drinking risk level and exploratory analysis of drinking behavior and psychosocial functioning at 3 months follow-up

In an open‑label feasibility study of 14 recently detoxified participants, Bayesian analysis estimated a 55–63% probability that MDMA‑assisted psychotherapy produced a two‑level reduction in WHO drinking‑risk at 3‑month follow‑up, with preliminary reductions in alcohol craving and improvements in sleep and psychosocial functioning. The paper frames a harm‑reduction endpoint for AUD and provides early evidence that MDMA‑assisted psychotherapy may improve quality of life alongside reduced drinking.

Published
Journal
Alcohol and Alcoholism
Authors
Thurgur, H., Sessa, B., Higbed, L., O'brien, S., Durant, C., Wilson, S., Szigeti, B., Morgan, C. J. A., Nutt, D. J.
Open Accessindividual

Psilocybin-assisted therapy for relapse prevention in alcohol use disorder: a phase 2 randomized clinical trial

This double-blind randomised clinical trial (n=37) found that a single dose of psilocybin (25mg) with brief psychotherapy did not significantly reduce alcohol relapse rates or consumption compared to placebo in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) at 4-week or 6-month follow-up, though psilocybin participants reported additional reductions in craving and temptation to drink, suggesting larger trials are needed to evaluate this approach for severely affected patients.

Published
Journal
EClinicalMedicine
Authors
Rieser, N. M., Bitar, R., Halm, S., Rossgoderer, C., Gubser, L. P., Thévenaz, M., Kreis, Y., Von Rotz, R., Nordt, C., Visentini, M., Moujaes, F., Engeli, E. J. E., Ort, A., Seifritz, E., Vollenweider, F. X., Herdener, M., Preller, K. H.
Open Accessindividual

Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study

In an 11‑participant fMRI pilot, a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin altered neural responses to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder, increasing medial/lateral prefrontal cortex and left caudate activity while decreasing insula, motor, temporal, parietal and occipital cortices and cerebellum. Cue‑specific effects included supramarginal gyrus increases for negative cues and lateralised hippocampal changes for positive cues, patterns the authors interpret as reflecting enhanced goal‑directed control, improved emotional regulation and reduced craving, warranting larger neuroimaging studies.

Published
Journal
Scientific Reports
Authors
Pagni, B. A., Petridis, P. D., Podrebarac, S. K., Grinband, J., Claus, E. D., Bogenschutz, M. P.
Open Accessindividual

Clinical interpretations of patient experience in a trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for alcohol use disorder

This study describes the treatment trajectories of (n=3) participants administered with psilocybin (25-40mg/70kg) in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the treatment of alcoholism (AUD). These participants experienced acute and lasting alterations in their perceptions of self, in the quality of their baseline consciousness, and in their relationship with alcohol. Increased mindfulness, and control over choices, were also reported following the treatment.

Published
Journal
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Authors
Bogenschutz, M. P., Podrebarac, S. K., Duane, J. H., Amegadzie, S. S., Malone, T. C., Owens, L. T., Ross, S., Mennenga, S. E.
Open Accessindividual

Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study

In a single-group proof-of-concept study of 10 participants with DSM‑IV alcohol dependence, psilocybin administered alongside motivational enhancement therapy produced a significant increase in abstinence after dosing that was largely maintained to 36 weeks, with the intensity of the first session strongly predicting subsequent reductions in drinking, craving and increased abstinence self‑efficacy. There were no significant treatment‑related adverse events, supporting the need for larger controlled trials to evaluate efficacy and mechanisms.

Published
Journal
Journal of Psychopharmacology
Authors
Bogenschutz, M. P., Forcehimes, A. A., Pommy, J. A., Wilcox, C. E., Barbosa, P., Strassman, R. J.

Quick Facts

Full Name
Penn Alcohol Craving Scale
Domain
Substance Use
Papers Indexed
5
Score Range
0–30
Interpretation
Lower = better
Unit
points
All Measures