New research shows that an active compound found in "magic mushrooms" or mushrooms that possess hallucinogenic properties may hold the key for those that want to stop smoking.

The study reveals that long-time smokers placed on a psilocybin medication completely stopped smoking. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic agent naturally found in magic mushrooms.

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Some 80 percent or 12 out of 15 smokers who participated in the study had greater chances of successfully kicking their smoking habit within six months of starting the medication.

Varenicline, one of the most widely used prescription medications for nicotine addiction, only has a 35 percent success rate. Other treatements such as nicotine replacement and behavioral therapies have an even lower success rate of 30 percent.

Researchers administered moderate (20 mg/70 kg) and high doses (30 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin to 15 smokers during the study. The participants were attending a cognitive behavior therapy program that involves a smoking cessation program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The participants included 10 men and five women, around 51 year old whol have been smoking some 19 cigarettes a day for 31 years. The participants took part in six unsuccessful smoking cessation attempts.

Although psilocybin yielded some positive results, researchers warn against self medication using the compound.

Quitting smoking is not a simple biological response to psilocybin, compared to other medications and that directly affects nicotine receptors. according to Matthew Johnson, co-author of the study and an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

He also added that when carefully administered in a therapeutic context, psilocybin often leads to a deep psychological reflection about one's life and provides a strong motivation to change.

The study was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

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