Addiction Pharmacology, Psychedelics, and Therapeutic Use To Support Recovery

★★★★★ "Another extremely informational and valuable webinar from Ben Malcom :) Thank you so much" - Jillian Cassin

★★★★★ “Excellent presentation, great speaker, valuable info.” - Peter Jockel

Many substances with psychedelic effects are currently regulated as having a high abuse potential and no medical value. However substantial anecdotal, observational, and clinical data suggests that when used within a therapeutic paradigm, many have potential to treat mental health conditions including substance use disorders (SUDs).

The use of the term psychedelic can encompass several substance classes including tryptamines (e.g. psilocybin), phenethylamines (e.g. MDMA), arylcyclohexlyamines (e.g. ketamine), and cannabinoids (e.g. THC). Each of these classes and the unique aspects of each drug within the class have variable pharmacology that may give rise to addictive properties. Conversely, unique properties relating to different psychedelics could also enhance potential for treatment of SUDs.

Models of chemical addiction link substances with diverse mechanisms to their ability to cause pleasurable and reinforcing effects via increased dopamine neurotransmission in key brain regions. 

Other aspects of drug use such as route of administration and environmental factors could also influence patterns of dopamine release or drug effects that reinforce behavior and increase risks of addiction.

While it’s apparent that many psychedelics do not have ‘high abuse potential’ and some have considerable therapeutic potential in treating SUDs, it’s also prudent to consider that some psychedelics could be habit forming, reinforcing, and addictive. In this webinar workshop we will aim to strike a balanced and data-driven perspective to addiction pharmacology as it relates to psychedelics.

By examining each class of psychedelic and reviewing their pro- and anti-addictive properties and mechanisms we can sensibly stratify them into low, moderate, and high risks for addiction. We can then generate logical plans that maximize safety and chances of benefit in persons approaching psychedelics for help with SUDs or as part of their recovery path.

Webinar Objectives

 Describe the chemical theory of addiction and compare the pharmacologic profiles and addiction risks of various psychedelics
 Outline mechanisms of psychedelics that could contribute to therapeutic benefits in persons with SUDs

 Summarize clinical research involving psychedelic and substance use disorders
 Discuss contraindications and other clinical considerations of using psychedelics safely in the context of substance use disorders

Important Webinar Details

Registration includes the live webinar workshop, access to a copy of the video recording, summary text PDF, as well as downloadable PDF slides.

Workshop registration is limited and will consist of a 75-90 min lecture, short break, 20-30 min case discussion, and 10-20 min Q&A session.

Registration will trigger emails that have the workshop information containing the attendance link.
In the case of gross technical difficulties (e.g. power outage, repeated or prolonged internet disruption) or other circumstances (e.g., illness, medical emergency) significantly effecting the workshop quality or precluding its occurrence, the workshop will be rescheduled to a different time.

Webinar Disclaimer

This webinar is for information and educational purposes only. It is not meant to condone or encourage the use of illicit substances. The information presented is not medical advice and should not be taken as such. It is recommended you follow laws applicable to your jurisdiction.

About Dr Ben Malcolm, PharmD, MPH

Psychopharmacology Consultant and Psychedelic Educator
Founder of Spirit Pharmacist LLC

Dr. Ben Malcolm earned his bachelor’s degree (BS) in pharmacology at the University of California at Santa Barbara, prior to his Masters in Public Health (MPH) and Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) at Touro University California. He then completed post-graduate residencies in Acute Care at Scripps Mercy Hospital and Psychiatric Pharmacy at the University of California at San Diego Health.
 
After residency he passed his exam to become Board Certified in Psychiatric Pharmacy (BCPP). He began his career as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS), College of Pharmacy before transitioning to his current entrepreneurial role as a Psychopharmacology Consultant, Psychedelic Educator, and Founder of https://www.spiritpharmacist.com 

Ben envisions a society in which access to psychedelic drugs in a variety of safe and supported settings is available for purposes of psychospiritual well-being, personal development, ceremonial sacraments, and treatment of mental illness. is focus is on the intersection between psychiatric medications and psychedelic therapies. He has given several Continuing Education presentations to pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as well as published over a dozen articles in peer-reviewed literature relating to psychedelics or psychiatric medications.

His vision guides his clinical and education service-related professional activity.

Certifications

• Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) 2017-2022
• Licensed pharmacist CA #70652 2014-2022

Post-Graduate Training

• PGY-2 Residency, Psychiatric Pharmacy – University of California at San Diego, San Diego CA. 2016
• PGY-1 Residency, Acute Care – Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego CA. 2015

Education

• Doctorate of Pharmacy – Touro University California, Vallejo CA. 2014
• Master of Public Health – Touro University California, Vallejo CA. 2014
• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology – University of California at Santa Barbara, Goleta CA. 2008

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For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

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