MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR PTSD
October 26, 2021
Hosted by Dr. Patricia Halligan
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Charlotte Jackson, MA, is a therapist and supervisor in the Multi-Disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Phase III clinical trials researching MDMA assisted therapy for individuals with severe PTSD. Charlotte describes how PTSD impacts the brain and emotional life of afflicted individuals. Charlotte offers a brief overview of the early psychedelic research and how MAPS has built on this. She speaks to the known mechanisms of MDMA and also the known potency and purity of the MAPS medication vs. street drugs. She shares the exciting results of the MAPS study published in the journal "Nature Medicine" in May 2021, showing that MDMA-assisted therapy represents a potential breakthrough treatment for severe PTSD. Charlotte Jackson shares the characteristics of the study participants, average duration of PTSD, how the study defined remission and common experiences of the participants following experiential sessions. How does an experience with the study drug compare to an experience of social use? This study included people with serious comorbidity like substance use disorders, suicidality, depression, dissociation and childhood trauma. What were the findings with this very difficult-to-treat population? We discuss people's resistance surrounding the use of psychedelics to treat psychiatric conditions. Charlotte shares her experience with psilocybin-assisted therapy with terminally ill patients and her hopes to expand access to individuals with substance use disorders. Charlotte Jackson tells listeners how to contact MAPS if they are interested in participating in a study and outlines future areas of study for MDMA-assisted therapy.
RECOVERY…THE HERO’S JOURNEY
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
RECOVERY: THE HERO’S JOURNEY provides best practice information and support to people struggling with Substance Use Disorders/Process Addictions and Prescription Drug Dependence. We confront the stigma surrounding Opioid Use Disorder and Benzodiazepine Dependence, understanding that both are the direct result of an overprescribing epidemic. We discuss Buprenorphine, a first line, long term treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. We validate people struggling with Benzodiazepine Dependence (ie-Xanax/Klonopin), and offer resources and a recovery plan.
Experts explore Eating Disorders, Sex Addiction, PTSD, and the effects of today’s Cannabis on teens and young adults, offering guidance and resources to individuals struggling with these issues and their families. This podcast gracefully combines interviews with experts in the field and patient stories of recovery and redemption. The show is about connection, reclaiming personal integrity and hope.
Dr. Patricia Halligan
Dr. Patricia Halligan is an Addiction Psychiatrist, who specializes in the treatment of patients diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders, Prescription Drug Dependency and Process Addictions. She completed a residency in Psychiatry at Cornell-The New York Hospital, followed by a Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1998. Dr. Halligan is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry and is a trained CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist). Believing in the healing power of connection, she trained at the Center for Group Studies in NYC and runs modern analytic group therapy for people in recovery.
Dr. Halligan has been prescribing Buprenorphine in her private practice since 2003 and continues to be a strong advocate for patients with Opioid Use Disorder throughout the Opioid Epidemic. She has spent the last two decades in the trenches of two tragic epidemics caused by the overprescribing of both Opioids and Benzodiazepines.
Aware that the lack of addiction training in medicine has largely contributed to both epidemics, she has resolved to devote some time to teaching. She creates CME accredited addiction education videos and training workshops for health care providers. Dr. Halligan decided to create this show to support people who are taking the hero’s journey into recovery and their families. You’ll hear interviews with experts surrounding best practices, and embrace the elimination of stigma.
Episode Directory
November 2021
October 2021
- 10/26/2021: MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR PTSD Listen Now
- 10/19/2021: INTERNET GAMING DISORDER Listen Now
- 10/12/2021: AN ATTORNEY'S PERSONAL STORY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY Listen Now
- 10/5/2021: Smacked..A Story of White Collar Ambition, Addiction, and Tragedy Listen Now
