Psychedelic Research & Opioid Addiction

THE PSYCHEDLIC SOLUTION

There are multiple studies that show that psychedelic drug use is associated with reduced risk of opioid dependence and reduced risk of opioid abuse.

The association of psychedelic use and opioid use disorders among illicit users in the United States - PubMed (nih.gov) 

“Among respondents with a history of illicit opioid use, psychedelic drug use is associated with 27% reduced risk of past year opioid dependence and 40% reduced risk of past year opioid abuse“

Associations between classic psychedelics and opioid use disorder in a nationally-representative U.S. adult sample | Scientific Reports (nature.com)

“Psilocybin use was associated with lowered odds of seven of the 11 criteria for opioid dependence and abuse. Additionally, psilocybin was marginally associated with lowered odds of two additional DSM-IV criteria for opioid dependence and abuse as well”.

“Additionally, the magnitude of the association between psilocybin use and OUD (30% reduction in odds) is comparable to that initially reported by Pisano et al. using NSDUH data from 2008 to 2013—allowing us to report that Pisano et al.’s findings replicate in a different (more recent) nationally-representative sample.

 Therapeutic effects of ritual ayahuasca use in the treatment of substance dependence--qualitative results

"This qualitative empirical study explores the ritual use of ayahuasca in the treatment of addictions. Findings indicate that ayahuasca can serve as a valuable therapeutic tool that, in carefully structured settings, can catalyze neurobiological and psychological processes that support recovery from substance dependencies and the prevention of relapse."

Psychedelics as medicines for substance abuse rehabilitation: evaluating treatments with LSD, Peyote, Ibogaine and Ayahuasca

 "Evidence suggests that the psychedelics have a much greater safety profile than the major addictive drugs, having extremely low levels of mortality, and producing little if any physical dependence.  Evidence suggests that these substances help assist recovery from drug dependency through a variety of therapeutic mechanisms, including a notable "after-glow" effect that in part reflects their action on the serotonin neurotransmitter system...These serotonin-based dynamics are directly relevant to treatment of addiction because of depressed serotonin levels found in addict populations, as well as the role of serotonin as a neuromodulators affecting many other neurotransmitter systems."

NEW YORK IS TAKING ACTION:

There are four pieces of legislation that would address the problems cited above in New York State, and we urge lawmakers to support them.  

A.3581(Burke)/S.3520 ( (Fernandez) would create a therapeutic access program, where New Yorkers will be able to use psilocybin for a wide range of conditions, overseen by trained experts.

 A.8349A (Burke) would establish the psilocybin assisted therapy pilot program for veterans and first responders

A.114 (Rosenthal) would decriminalize possessing/using, growing/cultivating, or gifting/sharing naturally occurring psychedelics.

A3581 (Paulin) would establish a psilocybin assisted therapy grant program

HOW YOU CAN HELP SAVE NEW YORKERS’ LIVES: 

- Legislators: Co-Sponsor or support these bills

- Individuals/coalitions: Reach out to legislators to express your support for this bill

Find your Senator: Find My Senator | NYSenate.gov

Find your Assembly Member: Assembly Member Search | New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov)