Please note: The Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry does not provide direct clinical services and is not recruiting volunteers for clinical trials at this time.
Our Approach
Acknowledging the potential risk of using psychedelics to treat addictions, we are taking a deliberately cautious approach to our research. There is still limited scientific evidence for the use of psychedelics in this area and our research will attempt to ‘fill this gap’ in a rigorous, systematic way. Our research is conducted under controlled circumstances, with a strong focus on safety and without undue influence by funding sources. We currently do not use psychedelic drugs outside of clinical research protocols that have been reviewed and approved by UW’s Institutional Review Board. We aim to:
- Improve our understanding of the safety and efficacy of psychedelic compounds for individuals with addiction and other mental health problems.
- Conduct clinical trials to identify the best pairings of novel compounds and behavioral interventions to treat a variety of substance use disorders.
- Develop a standardized training program for clinicians and therapists who want to incorporate the safe and effective use of these treatments into practice.
Education/Training
As the use of psychedelics and other novel compounds becomes more prevalent, we aim to develop standardized training programs for clinicians and therapists who want to incorporate the safe and effective use of these treatments into their practices.
We launched a Psychedelic Education and Harm Reduction Clinic at the Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic at UW Medical Center – Roosevelt. The clinic aims to educate patients and providers who have questions about the clinical application of psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, Ayahuasca, ketamine, Ibogaine and other experimental compounds to treat psychiatric conditions.
We are in the process of developing a clinical rotation for trainees to engage in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The rotation will engage learners who want to participate both in direct patient care and in research to provide first hand experience using psychedelic compounds to augment psychotherapy.
Additionally, the Center has been working to develop a curriculum for healthcare providers across the state to help prepare providers to address the growing questions patients and families have about psychedelics. The curricula is in development and we are actively fundraising to develop the funding needed to provide the important public health service across the state of Washington.
Pre-Clinical Trials
The center is engaged in a range of collaboration with multiple basic-science labs at UW, and also with a range of biotech companies and research groups from other universities. The goal of the Center’s pre-clinical arm is to share resources, help inform future clinical trials, and improve our understanding of how to best use substances like psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA and other compounds safely in a clinical application.
“Underground Psychedelic Providers Qualitative Study
In collaboration with Washington State University, we completed a qualitative study interviewing “underground” psychedelic providers. We were interested in better understanding the current practices and observations from those using psychedelics for therapeutic intention in the community. Results from this study will be published in the near future.
Safety and Efficacy of Ibogaine with Co-Administered Magnesium (I-CAM) in Clinical Settings: A Collaborative Study Series
Research Questions: What is the safety profile of ibogaine with co-administration of magnesium (I-CAM) in a controlled clinical setting? Is this treatment effective for treating SUDs such as OUD?
This study explores the safety profile of Ibogaine with Co-Administered Magnesium (I-CAM), particularly focusing on cardiotoxicity and QTc prolongation, as well as efficacy of I-CAM. The research will assess adverse events and the efficacy of I-CAM in treating substance use disorder. The goal is to establish safer protocols for ibogaine administration while evaluating its potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly when combined with magnesium.
Exploring Motivations, Practices, and Wellbeing in Entheogenic Spiritual Communities: A Qualitative Study
Research Questions: What are the primary motivations for participation in entheogenic spiritual communities, and how might membership impact quality of life? What do practices and beliefs look like in these communities?
This ethnographic-qualitative study investigates the motivations, beliefs, and practices within various entheogenic spiritual communities (ESCs). Through in-depth interviews, participants will share their reasons for joining these communities, the role of entheogens in their spiritual practices, and the impact of membership on their quality of life. A thematic analysis will be conducted to identify common patterns and insights, ultimately aiming to deepen our understanding of the intersection between spirituality and entheogenic use.
Clinical Trials
We are working to develop a range of clinical trials to identify the best pairings of novel compounds and behavioral interventions to treat a variety of substance use disorders.
A Phase 2 Clinical Trial on Psilocybin for Co-occurring PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder
Research Question: What is the safety profile of psilocybin administered with psychological support for veterans and first responders? Can psilocybin administered with psychological support (Psi-PS) effectively reduce symptoms of PTSD and alcohol use disorder in individuals with co-occurring conditions?
The Center was awarded funding from the State of Washington to conduct a study of psilocybin to treat veterans and first responders with both PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder. This study will examine the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of psilocybin to treat PTSD/AUD and will help inform policy-makers about best next steps pertaining to increasing access to psilocybin for Washington Residents.