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Emerging Evidence for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy In The Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Overview

Dr David Graham, MBBS BSc(Hons) MPsychMed MPhil PhD, CertPsychotherapyPsych, FRANZCP, Medical Director, GoodMind Therapeutics


Speaker

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Dr David Graham
MBBS BSc(Hons) MPsychMed MPhil PhD CertPsychotherapyPsych FRANZCP, Medical Director
GoodMind Therapeutics

Emerging Evidence for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy In The Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

On 3 February 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced a change of classification of psilocybin and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). These substances must only be administered by approved psychiatrists in specific conditions in a clinic using a protocol that has received approval by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The re-classification took effect on 1 July 2023 and came as a surprise to most clinicians and researchers in Australia due to the emerging nature of the research into Psychedelic-assisted Therapy (PAT). Whilst the legislative framework restricts the use of PAT to treatment-resistant depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, evidence is emerging on the use of PAT for substance use disorders. This paper will discuss the current state of the evidence for the treatment of substance use disorders with PAT. This paper will also discuss the evidence from imaging studies to ground a neurobiological basis for the use of PAT in the treatment of substance use disorders. Even though it is too premature for this research to prompt a similar change of classification for psilocybin and MDMA to include treatment of substance use disorders, I would argue that the TGA’s landmark decision suggests there may be a potential softening of the TGA’s position on psychedelics in general.

Biography

Dr Graham is a Consultant Psychiatrist and the Medical Director of GoodMind Therapeutics, a clinic that offers PAT in various locations across Australia and so he has been intimately involved in navigating the complex legal landscape of PAT in Australia. He previously worked with the New South Wales Chief Psychiatrist on the introduction of new regulations for PAT. He has also established a psychiatric clinic that offers holistic mental health treatment and has co-founded a medicolegal company that provides niche services for civil litigation of institutional abuse and medical negligence.
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