Communion and Healing: Spiritual Experiences in Psychedelic Therapy for Alcohol Dependence
Article Title: “Spiritual Experiences in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Case Reports of Communion With the Divine, the Departed, and Saints in Research Using Psilocybin for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence”
Author: Samantha K. Podrebarac, Kelley C. O’Donnell, Sarah E. Mennenga, Lindsey T. Owens, Tara C. Malone, Jessie H. Duane, & Michael P. Bogenschutz
Publication Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1037/scp0000242
Background
The use of psychedelic substances for spiritual and therapeutic purposes spans thousands of years. Traditionally seen as “entheogens,” psychedelics were revered by indigenous cultures for facilitating sacred experiences. Today, modern clinical research is revisiting these substances, particularly psilocybin, for their potential to treat mental health conditions, including addiction. Central to this exploration is the role of spiritual experiences in healing.
Study Overview
This paper presents three detailed case reports from an ongoing randomised controlled trial studying psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for alcohol dependence. Participants received either psilocybin or a placebo in controlled clinical settings, supported by therapy that combined cognitive behavioural techniques with psychedelic integration practices. The selected cases highlight spiritual experiences that emerged during sessions—encounters with deceased family members, divine presences, and transcendent energies—and how these shaped participants’ recovery journeys.
Key Findings
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Joan’s Encounter with Her Deceased Mother: Joan, grieving and feeling unloved since her mother’s death, experienced a vivid and restorative encounter with her mother and grandfather. This led to emotional healing, spiritual reconnection, and a 50% reduction in alcohol consumption.
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Claire’s Vision of a Loving Universal Power: Claire, sceptical of religion, experienced a profound connection with a loving, divine presence she called “magic.” This experience catalysed her complete abstinence from alcohol and a new daily spiritual practice.
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Francis’s Encounter with a Hindu Holy Figure: Though raised Catholic, Francis had a visionary experience of a Hindu sadhu who offered him a healing gift. This led to a lasting sense of self-compassion and sobriety, alongside a continued connection to the sacred encounter.
Discussion
These experiences were intensely personal yet shared core elements often described in mystical literature: unity, love, transcendence, and healing. Importantly, they occurred within a structured therapeutic framework that honoured each individual’s interpretation and integration of their experience. The diversity of spiritual imagery—ranging from familial spirits to deities from unfamiliar traditions—highlights the non-dogmatic nature of these encounters. The therapeutic team’s flexibility in language and approach was key to supporting each participant’s integration process.
Implications
The cases suggest that psychedelic-assisted therapy can facilitate spiritually significant experiences that have tangible effects on addiction recovery. These findings challenge strictly biomedical models of addiction treatment, opening doors for more holistic approaches that include spiritual care. Therapists trained in interfaith understanding and spiritual integration may be essential for supporting clients in this work.
Potential Application
Retreats and therapeutic settings offering psychedelic experiences might consider incorporating frameworks that embrace the spiritual dimensions of healing. This includes preparing participants for possible mystical encounters, providing non-directive support during sessions, and offering integration practices that honour diverse spiritual interpretations.
Conclusions
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has the potential not only to reduce alcohol use but to unlock profound spiritual experiences that contribute to emotional healing, identity restoration, and purpose. These experiences, when supported appropriately, can act as catalysts for lasting transformation.
Reference:
Podrebarac, S. K., O’Donnell, K. C., Mennenga, S. E., Owens, L. T., Malone, T. C., Duane, J. H., & Bogenschutz, M. P. (2021). Spiritual experiences in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: Case reports of communion with the divine, the departed, and saints in research using psilocybin for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 8(3), 177–187. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000242
