A Drug Solution to a Drug Problem?

 

By: Daniel Bloomfield

The homeless epidemic in Portland appears to stem from two underlying issues: drug addiction and mental illness. Often, those living on the streets will be afflicted by one or both. When a person suffers from both drug addiction and mental illness, they are what is called “dually diagnosed”, and have a harder time seeking treatment for and recovering from either, since most facilities and counselors are ill-equipped to assist them. 

It often seems hopeless, and that there is no solution to this growing problem, but recently, there has been introduced a new possible solution: psilocybin assisted therapies. Psilocybin is a psychoactive chemical naturally occurring in several species of mushroom. Passed in November 2020, Oregon Ballot Measure 109—legislation driven by an unprecedented wave of petition signatures—has made the research for psilocybin’s efficacy in treating both mental health and addiction possible. 

Now, the Oregon Psilocybin Services, a department of the Oregon Health Authority, will implement a trailblazing program where trained facilitators will guide people suffering from the disease of addiction on a brand-new path to recovery, one that is spiritually focused, and that targets the spiritual roots of the disease. Applications to become a program facilitator will open on January 2^nd, 2023.

You can stay updated on all things related to the program at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/Pages/Oregon-Psilocybin-Services.aspx