Psychedelics Weekly – Drug Testing and Harm Reduction, Ketamine vs. ECT, and Does Therapy Really Work?

In this episode of Psychedelics Weekly, Joe and Kyle are once again able to take advantage of Kyle's temporary Colorado residency and record together in Joe's office. While last week focused on the numerous challenges facing a rapidly growing industry of psychedelic therapists, facilitators, and guides, the topic of therapy itself is put under the microscope this week, as they dissect a New York Times article titled, "Does Therapy Really Work? Let's Unpack That." They discuss whether or not therapy is right for everyone, the efficacy of different types of therapy, the role of the therapeutic alliance in treatment outcomes, and how (if it's even possible) to measure all of these factors. They also discuss: -a study showing that ketamine was more effective than ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) for patients with treatment-resistant depression; -the potential benefits of the LSD analog, Br-LSD, in treating people with major depressive disorders, cluster headaches, and more; -Ireland's Health Service Executive launching the Safer Nightlife program, which will partner with music festivals this summer to establish on-site drug testing; -the U.S. slowly beginning to legalize fentanyl test strips, which, for some reason, are illegal in many parts of the country; And much more! See you next week, and if you're in the NYC area, make sure to check out "Tales of Transformation," an in-person event Thursday, June 8 at the Athenæum, moderated by David, and featuring Ifetayo Harvey, Juliana Mulligan, and Raad Seraj. www.psychedelicstoday.com