At least one major mainstream US news outlet will publish a headline characterizing the cocaine use disorder psilocybin RCT results as evidence that 'psychedelics cure addiction' within 30 days of publication, followed by a correction cycle that complicates congressional messaging.

When researchers announce that psilocybin helped people quit cocaine, major news outlets will publish headlines saying psychedelics 'cure addiction'—even though the actual finding is much narrower (psilocybin reduced cravings in one study). Within 2-4 weeks, scientists and careful reporters will publish corrections and pushback. This cycle confuses the public and makes Congress skeptical of psychedelic funding.

The pattern is well-established across MDMA, ketamine, and prior psilocybin-depression coverage: mechanistically precise findings (e.g., extinction enhancement, reduced cue reactivity) are compressed into triumphalist framings by generalist reporters optimizing for engagement. The correction or critical follow-up typically arrives within 2-4 weeks, and the resulting whiplash has demonstrably chilled congressional support in prior cycles (MDMA-PTSD, 2024). The 30-day window and 'at least one major outlet' threshold are specific and verifiable.