Psychedelics for Substance Use Disorder with Kevin Franciotti, MA

Psychedelics for Substance Use Disorder with Kevin Franciotti, MA

Author: Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD June 21, 2023 Duration: 48:32

In this episode of the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast, Kevin Franciotti, MA joins to discuss the intricacies of psychedelic-assisted therapies for substance use disorder. Kevin Franciotti is a Denver-based writer, therapist, advisor, and thought leader in the fields of psychology, psychedelics, and substance abuse counseling.

In this conversation, Kevin shares his expertise on the existing research on psychedelic medicines for substance use disorder (SUD) and also discusses the limitations of the results of this research. He talks about the difficulties of designing trials and protocols for psychedelic therapies that target SUD, touching on how this disorder can interact with the neuro-physical and psychological effects of psychedelic medicines. He also contrasts emerging psychedelic treatments for SUD with dominant abstinence-based models and shares where he thinks psychedelic therapies may be a healthier alternative. In closing, Kevin reiterates that it is crucial to continue integrating harm reduction perspectives as psychedelic therapy continues to gain more mainstream traction.

 

In this episode:

  • Contraindications which can arise during detox periods which may require a person to be fully detoxed prior to pursuing any psychedelic-assisted therapy for SUD
  • The neuro-physical effects and the psychological effects of psychedelic substances
  • The role of peer support in psychedelic-assisted therapy for SUD
  • The stigma around psychedelic therapies within traditional recovery programs and communities
  • How psychedelic therapy protocols interface with current guidelines from the American Society of Addiction Medicine
  • The future of insurance coverage for psychedelic therapies
  • Issues of "psychedelic exceptionalism"

 

Quotes:

"Ibogaine has somewhat of a miraculous quality of being able to attenuate some of the most painful, acute symptoms of opiate withdrawal—but that is only specific to opiate withdrawal." [11:33]

"What's miraculous about a medicine like ibogaine or even psilocybin… is it's designed to enhance somebody's ability to confront their underlying issues." [16:57] 

"The future of addiction treatment embracing psychedelics is really going to hinge on the treatment industry being willing to construct innovative ideas." [30:37]

"Drugs are drugs. Drugs don't have an inherent moral quality around them. [What's important to highlight] is the risk of stratifying people who use drugs as somehow being superior or inferior based on which category of socially accepted drugs that they're doing." [42:39]

 

Links:

Kevin's website

Kevin on Twitter

Kevin on Instagram

Kevin on LinkedIn

Psychedelics in Recovery

Journey Colab

All Points North (APN)

"Dispelling Lies the Psychedelic Community Believes About Drugs" presentation by Carl Hart, PhD at Horizons 2019

Psychedelic Medicine Association

Porangui


Exploring the frontier of mind and medicine, the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast with Dr. Lynn Marie Morski delves into the complex world of psychedelic substances and their potential to heal. Hosted by Lynn Marie Morski, a physician and attorney, this podcast navigates the intricate intersection of cutting-edge science, clinical practice, and evolving policy. Each episode brings a grounded, expert perspective to conversations about psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, LSD, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and other compounds, moving beyond hype to examine the real-world implications of this therapeutic renaissance. Listeners will hear detailed discussions on the latest peer-reviewed research, practical insights from medical professionals integrating these approaches, and thoughtful analysis of the legal landscape shaping access. The dialogue is rooted in a commitment to safety, ethics, and evidence, offering a clear-eyed look at both the profound promise and the challenges inherent in psychedelic medicine. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, a researcher, or simply intellectually curious, this podcast provides an essential, nuanced resource for understanding how these ancient and modern substances are reshaping perspectives on mental health, consciousness, and treatment. It’s a space for serious inquiry, where complex questions about healing, neuroscience, and society are met with informed, accessible conversation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Psychedelic Medicine Podcast with Dr. Lynn Marie Morski
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