Contacts
Info
The Drug Policy podcast of the Rights Reporter Foundation. Visit drugreporter.net for news and films from the frontlines of the war on drugs!
13 JAN 2025 · MICHIEL VAN ELK, PhD is Associate Professor of Psychology at the Leiden University, Netherlands.
Recorded at the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR) 2022, in Haarlem, The Netherlands.
https://www.icpr-conference.com/
https://drugreporter.net
Questions:
0:00 Intro
0:05 Please introduce yourself and your work!
0:31 What are altered states of consciousness?
2:10 Why do altered states of consciousness, why not just one ordinary state?
3:27 What do you think of the 'stoned ape theory', that says, the use of psychedelics contributed to us becoming humans?
4:15 How do neuroimaging studies contribute to the understanding of how our brains work?
5:38 Can we separate the effects on altered states of consciousness for a direct effect of the psychedelic drug, when we speak of therapeutic effects?
6:48 Psychedelics have been used for a long time by traditional cultures. Can we take them out of these contexts and use them in modern medicine?
8:20 Do you see any risks of high expectations and hype?
9:41 How do you see the future of psychedelics?
6 JAN 2025 · Recorded at the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR) 2022, in Haarlem, The Netherlands.
https://www.icpr-conference.com/
https://drugreporter.net
Questions:
0:00 Intro
1:00 What's the potential of psychedelics in psychotherapy?
2:49 Do professionals need specific training to work with psychedelics?
4:28 Some professionals may be concerned that psychedelics can induce psychosis during the session and they might not know how to deal with that. What would you say to them?
6:04 Some people say that the most difficult experiences during the psychedelic experience are the most useful. Do you agree with that statement?
8:03 Do therapists need personal experiences with psychedelics to be able to help others with psychedelics?
9:30 These psychedelic sessions often last for several hours, and that must be very exhausting for the therapists. How can they mitigate this without burning out, what kind of supervision do they need?
10:16 Do psychedelics work for everyone or do they only work for a certain group of people and not for others?
11:34 Do previous recreational experiences with psychedelics can affect the therapeutic experience of patients?
12:39 In your experience, is there any gender difference between how people respond to psychedelics?
13:14 There is much hype around psychedelics right now, very high expectations. Do you think that can turn into disappointment later?
15:04 Do you have any personal preferences working with any specific substances among psychedelics?
16:06 there were some much publicized scandals around psychedelics sessions with sexual abuse. What do you think about the ethical requirements of these sessions? How can we improve them?
18:21 Ashley You've worked with ayahuasca in Peru and now there are more and more ayahuasca sessions happening in Europe. How should we make sure that people are not abused in this context, and that there is a quality standard in these sessions?
30 DEC 2024 · HOUMAN FARZIN, MD is a Palliative Care Physician at the McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Recorded at the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR) 2022, in Haarlem, The Netherlands.
https://www.icpr-conference.com/
https://drugreporter.net
23 DEC 2024 · MONNICA WILLIAMS, PhD is Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Recorded at the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR) 2022, in Haarlem, The Netherlands.
https://www.icpr-conference.com/
https://drugreporter.net
Questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=0s Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=5s Please introduce yourself and your work! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=35s We are at a psychedelic conference that is predominantly white, middle class. how does that make you feel? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=63s What is the reason for the underrepresentation of communities of colour? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=147s Do you think black people and other communities of colour would benefit from greater access to psychedelic therapy? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=190s The costs of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy are still very high, which excludes people who can't afford it. How can we change this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=247s As a therapist, what are your experiences with patients when you use psychedelics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=325s What training do you need if you are a therapist and would like to use psychedelics in treatment? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=417s How can we make sure that people of colour get access to psychedelic assisted therapy in greater numbers? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=504s What substances have you used in your practice, and how do they compare in their potential of healing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=589s Can we take out these substances from their cultural contexts and use them in western medicine? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlY732osuaY&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=8&t=678s What's your vision of the future of psychedelics? Can they find their way into mainstream mental health care?
16 DEC 2024 · DAVID NUTT, PhD is Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at the Imperial College London, UK. Recorded at the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research David Nutt (ICPR) 2022, in Haarlem, The Netherlands.
https://www.icpr-conference.com/
https://drugreporter.net
Questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=0s Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=5s What will be the heritage of this psychedelic renaissance? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=146s Can the pharmaceutical industry use psychedelics as modern medicines? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=263s Can we separate the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics from the medical benefits? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=404s What's your view on microdosing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=479s How do psychedelics, such as psilocybin compare to traditional antidepressants in treating depression? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=630s What about Ketamine? How does it compare to psilocybin, how does it affect the brain, and how does it treat depression? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=785s Can these substances be used outside of their traditional contexts, as modern medicines? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=892s How do you see the future of psychedelics? What role will they play in mainstream mental health care? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqJIzvSvU8&list=PLUkduHmox5ogQfo0JCoojOo9-LBlSlQvq&index=7&t=970s How can we overcome the scepticism of the general public and scientists, regarding psychedelics?
10 DEC 2024 · 1. Part one
The mayor of the City of Amsterdam invites cities, European and international stakeholders to join her in the pursuit of a more just and humane drug policy.
The satellite event delves into how controlled regulation can provide solutions and how initial experiments can be wisely designed and sensibly executed. The event builds on the outcomes of the Dealing with Drugs Conference in January 2024.
Highlights of the program, that will be moderated by Steve Rolles (Transform Drugs):
The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, and the High Commissioner for the Human Rights Volker Türk (by video message) will set the scene for the event, stressing the importance of searching for alternative approaches to drug policy. Ambassador of Colombia Laura Gil will speak about her experiences in the complex world of international cooperation. Keynote speaker Neil Woods will dive into the mechanisms that explain why the war on drugs is not effective.
Host: Steve Rolles
Speakers:
Femke Halsema, Mayor of the City of Amsterdam
Volker Türk
Neil Woods
Laura Gil
Philippe Close
2. Part two
How to regulate substances: detailed blueprints for local level experiments
By zooming in to the practical aspects of regulation, the debate can move from the why, to the how of regulation. As author of several ‘how to’ books, Steve Rolles has become one of the most knowledgeable advisors for governments and cities. Pieter Walinga will present a practical canvas that can be used to design experiments with regulation of different substances.
Speakers:
Pieter Walinga, City of Amsterdam , Program manager
Steve Rolles
3. Part three
People who use drugs and other marginalised groups, such as people experiencing homelessness, sex workers or migrants, are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis epidemics. With stigma, discrimination, and criminalisation aggravating health disparities, these communities experience limited access to health services and higher prevalenceof infectious diseases compared to the general population.
In light of these considerations and recognising the urgent need to address these multiple epidemics to improve the health of affected communities and public health in Europe, the BOOST project was launched by CEHRN to strengthen and support community-based and community-led harm reduction organisations4 in providing high-quality communicable disease services to people who use drugs. These include the scaling-up of good practices in communicable disease awareness, prevention, screening/testing and linkage to care, delivered as an integrated part of people-centred harm reduction interventions.
The session will provide exemples on what challenges organisations face to tackle HIV/HCV in Portugal and Slovenia and then highlight practical interventions and experiences in the field of data collection, digital skills, community involvement and advocacy for better HIV/HCV policy and practice, based on the experiences of the BOOST project.
Moderator: Ruth Zimmermann
Subsessions
Analysis of Provision of the HCV Treatment to People Who Use Drugs In Bratislava and Reccomendations for Future Practice
December 04, 2024 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Decentralized Consultation: showcasing the benefits of public-private partnership in the community
December 04, 2024 9:10 AM – 9:20 AM
Strengthening community-based harm reduction – Experiences of the BOOST project in the field of capacity building and advocacy
December 04, 2024 9:20 AM – 10:30 AM
10 DEC 2024 · Cities are at the forefront when it comes to the development and implementation of innovative health, social and drug policy responses.. They are “the places where both problems emerge and solutions are found” and are hotspots for identifying new drug patterns, social disparities, and healthcare needs, profoundly impacting the lives of urban residents. Moreover, cities often serve as pioneers, offering models for other urban areas globally.
This Panel Discussion will bring together mayors, local policy and decision-makers, and drug policy experts to explore local drug policy challenges, share experiences and best practices, and discuss how cities can craft innovative, evidence-based drug policies, including models for decriminalisation and regulation.
Organised as part of the European City Initiative on Drug Policy—launched by C-EHRN in 2024—this session will also introduce the EHRC2024 Satellite Event, Dealing with Drugs II - cities as incubators in the international quest for regulation, hosted by the City of Amsterdam on Wednesday afternoon, directly following the conference.
Moderator: Lynn Ruane
Femke Halsema, Mayor of the City of Amsterdam
Allan Casey, Councillor of the City of Glasgow
Carly Heath, City Council of Bristol, Night Time Economy Advisor
Pavel Bem
Jacopo Rosatelli, Assessore of the City of Turin
Robert Csák, Drug Coordinator of the City of Budapest
Municipality of Warsaw Authorities (Speaker)
Wrap-Up session
The Wrap-up Session serves as a crucial closing moment of the conference, bringing together a diverse panel of harm reduction experts. This session will provide a platform for reflection on the key takeaways from the event, offering insights on the progress made and the gaps that remain in harm reduction efforts globally.
Key areas which will be addressed include:
Summarizing Major Insights: The panel will highlight the most significant discussions and findings from the various sessions, shedding light on emerging trends, best practices, and innovative approaches shared throughout the conference.
Identifying Challenges and Barriers: Experts will critically assess ongoing challenges in implementing harm reduction policies and strategies.
Exploring Future Opportunities: The session will also look ahead, exploring new opportunities for collaboration, policy advocacy, and the development of evidence-based interventions.
Moderator: Tony Duffin
Speakers
Alexei Lakhov
Magdalena Bartnik
Marta Pinto
Rafaela Rigoni, C-EHRN, Head of Research
10 DEC 2024 · People who use drugs and other marginalised groups, such as people experiencing homelessness, sex workers or migrants, are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis epidemics. With stigma, discrimination, and criminalisation aggravating health disparities, these communities experience limited access to health services and higher prevalenceof infectious diseases compared to the general population.
In light of these considerations and recognising the urgent need to address these multiple epidemics to improve the health of affected communities and public health in Europe, the BOOST project was launched by CEHRN to strengthen and support community-based and community-led harm reduction organisations4 in providing high-quality communicable disease services to people who use drugs. These include the scaling-up of good practices in communicable disease awareness, prevention, screening/testing and linkage to care, delivered as an integrated part of people-centred harm reduction interventions.
The session will provide exemples on what challenges organisations face to tackle HIV/HCV in Portugal and Slovenia and then highlight practical interventions and experiences in the field of data collection, digital skills, community involvement and advocacy for better HIV/HCV policy and practice, based on the experiences of the BOOST project.
Moderator: Ruth Zimmermann
Subsessions
Analysis of Provision of the HCV Treatment to People Who Use Drugs In Bratislava and Reccomendations for Future Practice
December 04, 2024 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Decentralized Consultation: showcasing the benefits of public-private partnership in the community
December 04, 2024 9:10 AM – 9:20 AM
Strengthening community-based harm reduction – Experiences of the BOOST project in the field of capacity building and advocacy
December 04, 2024 9:20 AM – 10:30 AM
10 DEC 2024 · The session "Harm Reduction in the War in Ukraine" will explore innovative strategies developed to address the complex challenges posed by the war on Ukraine. Drawing on research and fieldwork, the session will examine the war's impact on drug use trends, healthcare disruptions, and illicit markets. It will also highlight the resilience of harm reduction services in engaging key populations, ensuring access to HIV, hepatitis, and TB prevention, and providing comprehensive support to displaced persons. By focusing on new approaches to service delivery, the role of humanitarian efforts, and the integration of mental health care, the session underscores the adaptability of harm reduction frameworks in times of crisis. Additionally, the importance of peer-driven models and cross-border collaboration will be discussed, emphasizing the continuity of vital services in the most challenging conditions.This session will demonstrate how harm reduction frameworks have adapted to emerging crises, providing vital support to vulnerable populations during the war.
Moderator: Ievgen Kushnir, Alliance for Public Health
Subsessions
Harm reduction in a conflict setting: new drug trends and policy debates in the context of the war in Ukraine
December 03, 2024 3:30 PM – 3:40 PM
Experience of NGO "Convictus Ukraine" in Implementing Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Harm Reduction Services in Chernihiv and Kyiv Regions During the War
December 03, 2024 3:40 PM – 3:50 PM
Main results and conclusions of the project on social and legal assistance to forcibly displaced Ukrainian prisoners in Russia.
December 03, 2024 3:50 PM – 4:00 PM
Implementation of an innovative model of involving prisoners in the provision of harm reduction counselling services in prisons on a peer-to-peer basis in times of war
December 03, 2024 4:00 PM – 4:10 PM
10 DEC 2024 · This conference session will explore the evolving cannabis policies in Europe and the role of harm reduction in these regulatory shifts. It will cover key findings from studies in Switzerland, Germany, and France, examining how regulated cannabis access impacts user behavior and public health. The session will highlight Switzerland's pilot projects on regulated cannabis sales and discuss the broader implications for European policies, which are increasingly rooted in harm reduction principles.
Additionally, it will address the challenges faced in Germany’s recent move to decriminalize cannabis, including resistance from medical and regulatory bodies. The session will also explore the use of cannabis as a substitute for other substances, showcasing its potential as a harm reduction tool. Overall, it aims to provide insights into how harm reduction strategies can be integrated into cannabis regulation and the barriers to progressive policy changes.
Moderator: Joey Reno Vella
Subsessions
Opportunities for harm reduction in emerging European policies regulating cannabis
December 03, 2024 1:30 PM – 1:40 PM
Cannabis as an alternative or complement to other psychoactive substances: cannabis users’ experiences and implication for Harm Reduction strategies
December 03, 2024 1:40 PM – 1:50 PM
The Geneva Cannabis Project - A longitudinal study
December 03, 2024 1:50 PM – 2:00 PM
The Cannabis Consumption Act in Germany
December 03, 2024 2:00 PM – 2:10 PM
The Drug Policy podcast of the Rights Reporter Foundation. Visit drugreporter.net for news and films from the frontlines of the war on drugs!
Information
| Author | Rights Reporter Foundation |
| Organization | Rights Reporter Foundation |
| Categories | Politics |
| Website | drogriporter.hu |
| takacsistvangabor@rightsreporter.net |
Copyright 2024 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
