Psychedelics are becoming the hot new trend in addiction treatment, backed by a growing body of research showing their effectiveness. As a leader in the addiction field, it’s essential to keep psychedelics on your radar to stay ahead in treatment options and continue providing the most helpful treatment options to every patient who walks through your doors.
In today’s blog, I’ll discuss the legal and ethical implications of psychedelic treatment in addiction and how facility directors can implement these innovative therapies in ways that protect diversity and inclusion.
Current research on psychedelics in substance use treatment
Although there is still some skepticism behind it, a growing body of research indicates that psychedelics are safe and effective in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including substance use disorders.
The research on psychedelic treatment for addiction isn’t new; in fact, it goes back nearly 100 years. One of the first documented accounts of using psychedelics to recover from addiction is that of Bill Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, who used psychedelic plants like belladonna as well as LSD in some of his later attempts at recovering from alcohol use disorder.
After his experience, Wilson concluded: “I consider LSD to be of some value to some people, and practically no damage to anyone.”
Clinical trials and peer-reviewed research on the benefits of psychedelics gained traction in the mid-20th century. Thousands of papers have been published since, and many of them have found that psychedelics can be an effective and safe treatment for substance use disorder.
A recent review of randomized controlled trials found that psilocybin, administered in doses between 6 and 40mg, was significantly effective in reducing heavy drinking days for people with alcohol use disorder. It was also 80% effective in reducing smoking for people with nicotine use disorder. Another 2017 study of 44,000 people with opioid use disorder found that psychedelic treatment was successful in reducing past-year opioid use by 27%.
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with psychedelic effects, has been found to be effective in promoting abstinence from both alcohol and heroin, as well as reducing cravings for cocaine.
How do psychedelics work for substance use disorder?
No one knows exactly how psychedelics help people with substance use disorder, but some patients describe the experience as “years of therapy squeezed into 24 hours.”
Research suggests it’s possible that psychedelics decrease amygdala connectivity, which allows individuals to confront painful emotions and reduce avoidance behaviors linked to addiction. Additionally, psychedelics can lead to neuroplastic changes in the brain and improve impulse control.
Some theories propose that they may also work by reducing underlying mental health symptoms, like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may also make it easier for people to recover from addiction.
How to legally provide psychedelic therapy at your treatment facility
Although research shows that psychedelic treatment is helpful for substance use disorder, there are still considerable legal hurdles to overcome to be able to offer this type of treatment through your treatment facility. The legal implications of psychedelic treatment vary by state, so it’s essential to look up the laws in your location before trying to start this venture.
The only states where psychedelic therapy for mental health or substance use treatment is legal are Oregon and Colorado. In these states, there is a licensure process through state health authorities to be able to deliver this type of treatment in your facility.
Other states have decriminalized personal use of psychedelics, but that doesn’t mean that it’s legal for facilities to use them in treatment. In other states, it may be possible to provide psychedelic substance use treatment by partnering with universities and research organizations to have your clients participate in clinical trials.
However, most psychedelics continue to be federally classified as Schedule I substances, which means they have a high potential for abuse and that medical use of them in treatment is not accepted in the United States.
Despite many advocacy groups pushing forward toward the legalization of psychedelic treatment, there is still a great deal of gray area when it comes to the legal implications. If you’re looking to license your facility to provide this treatment, you would need to consult a attorney in your county who is familiar with the local laws.
Ethical implications of psychedelic therapy for addiction industry leaders
In addition to the legal considerations, there are some ethical implications of psychedelic treatment that you need to consider if you are a leader in the addictions space. Although most research supports that psychedelic mental health and substance use treatment is safe and effective, it may not be the best choice for everyone.
If you’re looking to integrate psychedelic therapy into your facility’s services, consider these ethical implications:
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Lack of understanding and informed consent:
Psychedelic treatments are still in the early stages of research, and there continues to be a lot we do not yet fully understand about their long-term effects. It’s important that patients know exactly what they’re signing up for, including the potential risks. Informed consent needs to be thorough so that patients feel empowered to make decisions without pressure or false expectations.
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Potential for bad trips or psychological distress:
Psychedelics can sometimes lead to intense, overwhelming experiences – often called “bad trips.” The “trip” is part of what makes psychedelic treatment so effective in substance use recovery, but when the experience doesn’t go well, it could be risky.
For people in recovery, these experiences could be emotionally distressing and may even set back their progress. Careful screening and support are essential to reduce these risks. Wisdom and resilience are necessary to turn these “bad trips” into learning experiences.
However, it’s important to emphasize that research has found that the risks of psychedelics for people with substance use disorders are very low, as long as the patient doesn’t have a history of psychosis.
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Cultural sensitivity and respect for sacred traditions:
Many psychedelics have deep cultural significance, especially in Indigenous communities where they’ve been used for healing and spiritual practices. It’s important to approach these substances with respect and not commercialize or exploit them without acknowledging their cultural roots.
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Equity in access:
There’s a real risk that psychedelic treatments could become accessible only to those who can afford them, particularly if they’re only offered in high-end facilities. This could widen existing class-based and racial disparities in addiction and mental health treatment. Ensuring fair access to psychedelic therapy is key to ethical implementation.
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Takeaway:
As a leader in addiction treatment, staying informed about psychedelics is important for improving recovery options. Understanding their benefits can help you make better decisions for your facility. By staying ahead of legal and ethical issues, including those that affect DEIB considerations, you can lead the way in providing effective and innovative care for those seeking recovery.
The use of psychedelics in addiction recovery is changing
The landscape of addiction treatment is undergoing a fascinating transformation, with psychedelic-assisted therapies emerging as a promising frontier. This approach, once considered taboo, is now gaining traction in scientific circles and showing potential for treating various substance use disorders.
The Renaissance of Psychedelic Research
After decades of prohibition, psychedelics are experiencing a research renaissance. Substances like psilocybin (from “magic mushrooms”), MDMA, and ketamine are being studied for their therapeutic potential in treating addiction, depression, and PTSD.
Psilocybin for Alcohol Use Disorder
Recent studies have shown encouraging results for psilocybin in treating alcohol use disorder. Participants who received psilocybin-assisted therapy reported significant reductions in heavy drinking days compared to those who received a placebo.
MDMA for Substance Abuse
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is being investigated for its potential to enhance psychotherapy for substance abuse disorders. Its ability to increase empathy and reduce fear may help patients process trauma underlying their addiction[3].
How Psychedelics May Work
Psychedelics are thought to work by:
- Increasing neuroplasticity
- Disrupting entrenched thought patterns
- Facilitating emotional breakthroughs
- Enhancing mindfulness and self-awareness
These effects may help individuals break free from addictive behaviors and develop new, healthier coping mechanisms[1][3].
Challenges and Considerations
While promising, psychedelic-assisted therapies face several hurdles:
– Legal status: Many psychedelics remain classified as Schedule I substances
– Safety concerns: Careful screening and monitoring are essential
– Integration: Proper therapeutic support is crucial for processing psychedelic experiences
– Accessibility: Current treatments are often expensive and not widely available
The Future of Addiction Treatment
As research progresses, psychedelic-assisted therapies may become an important tool in the addiction treatment toolkit. However, it’s crucial to approach this field with both optimism and caution. These treatments are not a magic bullet and should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes.
The exploration of psychedelics in addiction treatment represents an exciting frontier in mental health care. As we continue to unravel the complexities of addiction, these novel approaches offer hope for those struggling with substance use disorders and may reshape our understanding of recovery.
