Discussion: Alcohol & Psilocybins

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Alcohol & Psilocybins​

Alcohol (Ethanol) primarily exerts its effects through the enhancement of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) and the inhibition of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. This results in general CNS (central nervous system) depression, leading to sedation, anxiolysis, and euphoria.

Alcohol also interacts with serotonin, dopamine, and opioid systems, which can modulate mood and reward pathways.


Psilocybin is a prodrug that is converted in the body to psilocin. Psilocin primarily binds to the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, leading to altered serotonin transmission. This is believed to be the primary reason for the characteristic hallucinogenic effects.

There may also be interactions with other neurotransmitter systems, but the 5-HT2A-mediated effects are the most pronounced.


The combination of alcohol's depressive effects and psilocybin's serotonergic stimulation can lead to a modulated experience. Some individuals report that alcohol dulls or diminishes the psychedelic experience, while others find it heightens certain emotional or introspective aspects.

Alcohol may influence the clarity of the psychedelic experience. It might either dampen or potentiate visual or auditory hallucinations. Users might also find their ability to process information or reason is different than when using either substance alone.

Potential Benefits of the Combination

• Anxiolytic Effect: Some users combine the substances in the belief that alcohol can ease the onset of a psilocybin experience, reducing initial anxiety or nervousness.
• Euphoric Synergy: Both substances can induce euphoria in different ways, and in some cases, their combination may produce heightened pleasure or introspection.
• Sedation: With intensive experience, small doses of alcohol can manifest themselves as a sedative.

Potential Side Effects and Dangers

• Impaired Judgment: Both substances can alter perception and cognition. Combined, they can lead to significantly impaired judgment, making some activities exceptionally dangerous.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Both substances can cause gastrointestinal discomfort individually. When combined, this risk might be amplified.
• Increased Intoxication: The combination can lead to a feeling of being more intoxicated than expected, which can be disorienting or lead to risky behaviors.
• Intensified Negative Psychological Effects: The combination might lead to heightened feelings of paranoia, anxiety, or negative introspection.
• Hangover and Aftereffects: Combining the substances can result in more pronounced hangovers or aftereffects, which might include fatigue, headache, or prolonged emotional disturbances.

Mixing these two substances is generally not advised because alcohol can lead to dehydration, feelings of nausea, and intense tiredness, especially in larger quantities. That said, when consumed in moderation, this combination can help alleviate some of the intense feelings of a psychedelic experience, offering a calming effect like some sedatives. For those using psilocybin mushrooms, it's often suggested to wait until the tail end of the experience before introducing alcohol, given that mushrooms can sometimes cause nausea, particularly during the initial 2-3 hours.

Unlike many other psychedelics, psilocybin, especially in the form of mushrooms, is more tolerant to dosages and combinations. Therefore, it gives more scope for action. However, as always, excessive doses and incorrect timing can make this combination a very bad experience.

If choosing to combine, start with a lower dose than you would take of either substance individually. Ensure you're in a safe, comfortable environment with trustworthy people. Alcohol is a diuretic, and staying hydrated can help reduce some negative effects. Absolutely avoid activities requiring judgment.


In light of these considerations, we strongly recommend a meaningful approach to this combination.