Rewiring the Brain: The Role of Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment With Michelle Hudasko

In this exciting episode of "Sisters in Sobriety," Sonia and Kathleen dive into the buzzy topic of using psychedelics in addiction recovery. From psilocybin to ketamine, these substances are being explored for their potential to help break the cycle of addiction. Today's guest, Michelle Hudasko, is here to share her unique journey from working with new moms to becoming a certified ketamine-assisted psychotherapist.

Get ready for an engaging chat as Sonia and Kathleen ask all the burning questions: How can psychedelics help with addiction? What makes someone a good fit for this kind of therapy? How does ketamine work to treat conditions like depression and PTSD? You'll find out the answers to these questions and more as we unpack the potential and the science behind these therapies.

Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of the benefits of psychedelics, the importance of having the right support, and what to expect from these treatments. Michelle breaks down the different ways psychedelics can be administered and how therapists create a safe and supportive environment for their clients. This episode is packed with insights and information for anyone curious about this innovative approach to mental health and recovery.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Highlights:

[00:01:06] - Kathleen discusses the potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca for addiction treatment.

[00:01:24] - Michelle introduces ketamine and its use in controlled therapeutic settings for treating depression, PTSD, and addiction.

[00:01:55] - Guest introduction: Michelle Hodesco, a therapist with experience in perinatal psychotherapy and a certification in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

[00:02:51] - Michelle shares her personal journey and how she became interested in psychedelic therapies.

[00:03:40] - Discussion on the historical and cultural significance of psychedelics.

[00:04:29] - Michelle talks about the potential of psychedelics for treatment-resistant depression and acute PTSD.

[00:05:01] - Addressing skepticism and resistance towards psychedelic therapy.

[00:06:34] - Explanation of who might be excluded from psychedelic therapy.

[00:07:23] - Misconceptions about psychedelic therapy and its medical model versus sacred, ritualistic use.

[00:09:00] - The role of psychedelics in addiction treatment and their neuroplastic effects.

[00:10:57] - The importance of setting and guidance in psychedelic therapy.

[00:12:07] - Criteria for being a suitable candidate for psychedelic therapy.

[00:16:00] - Handling challenging experiences during psychedelic sessions.

[00:18:04] - Potential for substance abuse or dependency on psychedelics.

[00:20:20] - The process and benefits of microdosing psychedelics.

[00:22:00] - Differences between psilocybin and ketamine in terms of their impact on mental health.

[00:26:05] - Psychological preparations needed for a safe and effective treatment session.

[00:30:35] - Description of a typical psychedelic therapy session, including administration methods and the importance of music.

[00:35:00] - The role of the therapist during a psychedelic session, focusing on holding space and providing support.

[00:38:19] - Discussion on the concept of "bad trips" and reframing them as challenging but meaningful experiences.

[00:41:00] - Strategies for handling breakthroughs and insights during and after psychedelic sessions.

[00:43:00] - Frequency and scheduling of follow-up and integration sessions post-psychedelic treatment.

[00:45:00] - Collaboration between psychedelic therapists and primary therapists for comprehensive care.