Plant Medicines in Addictions Therapy

75 minutes  

Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a prominent issue in modern society. Available treatments often have low success rates, and many people have turned to plant medicines as a new and promising approach to breaking addictive behaviour. There is rising interest and research in using herbal medicine, particularly psychedelic plant medicines, in addictions therapy. This workshop will discuss which plants are being used in addictions therapy, their phytochemistry and pharmacology, scientific study, safety and ethics, and clinical applications that are already happening in Canada. Herbs discussed will include gentle trophorestoratives and adaptogens (Lion’s Mane mushroom, Milky Oats, and Rhodiola), as well as powerful psychoactives (Ayahuasca, Iboga, Psilocybin mushrooms and Kratom). We will also discuss the impacts on plants and people that have occurred, as some of these herbs are removed from their original cultural context and used in new and different ways. 

learning objectives

1. Discuss the plants being used in addictions therapy from an herbalist’s perspective 
2. Explore the phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional use knowledge of these plants 
3. Discuss the ethics of how these plants are being used clinically in Canada, as well as the impact this use is having on the people who traditionally use these plants, and on the plants themselves.