The aim of the Addictions Research Group is to encourage the formation of research in the field of addictions in Scotland, with hopes to improve health outcomes and meet unmet public health needs. Figures show that addiction in Scotland has peaked to record levels, with drug related deaths also rising and current treatments proving unsuccessful for a number of patients. Building from research in the 1950’s and 1960’s, recent studies have found psychedelics promising to overcome addiction, although further research to enable the implementation of psychedelic-assisted therapy into Scottish health care.
Current projects
Psychedelics and Recovery Project
This is a qualitative research study, working with people who have used psychedelics to help them overcome addiction to or problematic use of ‘harder’ drugs. Areas of exploration may include:
- how the psychedelic experience can help in overcoming addiction – such as putting one’s problems in perspective, mystical experience, connection with a Higher Power…
- experiences of those who use/have used psychedelics alongside mutual aid fellowships, and the acceptance or exclusion they face following this
Registration
The Addictions Group meets every month to discuss psychedelic research. Meetings are held virtually on the last Friday of every month at 10:30am-12:30pm. To register, please send your details via the contact form here with a brief description of your background and interests, and we will be in touch.