Module 5

Substance Use Disorders

Did You Know?

Psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol addiction had positive results with therapeutic gains which were maintained as much as 36 weeks later (Bogenschutz et al., 2015).

Did You Know?

Psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol addiction had positive results with therapeutic gains which were maintained as much as 36 weeks later (Bogenschutz et al., 2015).

Module Description

We will begin this module with a brief introduction to substance use disorders. Then, we will look at how both ketamine and classic psychedelics (primarily psilocybin) and to a lesser extent MDMA, have shown promising results for treating substance use disorders. We will look at some first-hand accounts of people who have struggled with a substance use disorder and subsequently underwent psychedelic-assisted therapy. Then, we will look at motivational enhancement therapy and how this can be used in combination with psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Identify which psychedelic medicines have been used for psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of substance use disorders.

  • Describe key evidence-based literature supporting the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of substance use disorders.

  • Demonstrate a rudimentary understanding of motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement therapy and how it relates to psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of substance use disorders.

  • Explain the importance of relapse prevention skills as an important part of the treatment of substance use disorders.