Use of Psychedelics for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

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The use of psychedelics for treatment of mental health disorders has been an area of growing interest for patients, practitioners, and researchers in recent years. While not medications in the traditional sense, pharmacists treating patients with mental health and substance use disorders are likely to be looked upon to help facilitate and/or educate patients and their colleagues on the use of psychedelics, as well as any potential challenges posed by the practice. As more states legalize and/or decriminalize the use of these compounds, pharmacists play a key role in understanding the impacts of psychedelics. While the evidence is sparse, studies and reviews have examined the use of psychedelics for the treatment of various mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use disorders. This program will specifically discuss the implementation of psychedelics for the treatment of substance use disorders.

Target Audience

If you are a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or other health care professional involved in the comprehensive medication management of individuals living with mental health and/or substance use disorders, we invite you to participate in this online course.

Course Requirements

To receive ACPE credit for this session, you must:

  • Register for this course.
  • Review the full content of the activity and reflect upon its teachings.
  • Complete the evaluation at the end of the activity.
  • Provide the necessary details in your profile to ensure correct reporting by AAPP to CPE Monitor.

Faculty Information

Christopher Nicholas, PhD
View biographical information
Christopher Nicholas, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
 
Dr. Christopher Nicholas is Associate Professor with the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and Program for Outreach, Research, Therapeutics, and Education in the Addictions (PROTEA). Dr. Nicholas’s research focuses on the clinical efficacy and therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelic and other psychoactive compounds for addiction and mental health.  He is currently running two clinical trials examining psilocybin for methamphetamine use disorder and opioid use disorders and two psychedelic mechanistic studies examining the therapeutic role of memory salience and neuroplasticity. Dr. Nicholas currently is a site-PI for Beckley Psytech’s Phase 2 trial of 5-MeO-DMT for treatment resistant depression and previously served as a site-PI and study therapist on Lykos’s (formerly MPBC) Phase 3 multi-site clinical trials of the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. In addition to research, Dr. Nicholas provides addiction services for individuals living with chronic pain and HIV and is a clinical educator on psychedelic facilitation and implementation. Dr. Nicholas earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology and neuroscience at the University of Tennessee; and completed his internship in health psychology and post-doctoral fellowship in aging and multi-modal neuroimaging at the William S. Middleton VA and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. 

Learning Objectives

  1. Analyze evidence for psychedelics in the treatment of substance use disorders.
  2. Describe best practices for psychedelic implementation into substance use disorder treatment.
  3. Formulate a comprehensive treatment plan for patients undergoing psychedelic assisted therapy for a substance use disorder.
 

Continuing Education Credit and Disclosures

Activity Dates: 10/10/2024 - 10/10/2027
ACPE Contact Hours: 1.25
ACPE Number: 0284-0000-24-060-H01-P (Application)
Nursing Credit Reminder: Note that ACPE credit is accepted for ANCC Certification Renewal and AANPCB advanced practice provider content. For specific questions related to your organization's acceptance of ACPE continuing education units, please contact your organization directly.

ACPEThe American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

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View disclaimer and disclosure of off-label use

Off-Label Use: This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA (see faculty information). The opinions expressed in the educational activity do not necessarily represent the views of AAPP and any educational partners. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

Disclaimer: Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

View fair balance and integrity statement

It is the policy of AAPP to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in continuing education activities. Those involved in the development of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education activity. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, and precautions) and drug delivery systems is subject to change, however, and the reader is advised to check the manufacturer’s package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems.

Fair balance is achieved through ongoing and thorough review of all materials produced by faculty, and all educational and advertising materials produced by supporting organizations, prior to educational offerings. Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by AAPP for any product or manufacturer identified.