Episode 46: Can Psychedelics Heal the Roots of Addiction? with Dr. Pamela Kryskow

What if addiction isn't the problem but a response to something deeper?

In this episode, Dr. Pamela Kryskow joins host Kyle Sittek-Lumsden to explore the role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of substance use disorders. Drawing on her clinical experience, Dr. Kryskow discusses how addiction is increasingly understood as a response to trauma, emotional pain, and disconnection, rather than a moral failing. The conversation highlights how addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

The discussion also examines current treatment approaches in Canada, including ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA-assisted therapies, as well as the importance of preparation, integration, and community support. Dr. Kryskow reflects on the evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine, ongoing barriers to access, and what a more effective, patient-centered system of care could look like in the future.

Working with partners in government, business, and the community, MAPS Canada is committed to advancing psychedelic medicine by supporting scientific, multidisciplinary research; advocating for drug policy reform; offering public education; and supporting equitable access to legal and regulated psychedelic medicine in Canada.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) was formed in the US in 1986, in response to the US Drug Enforcement Agency’s classification of MDMA as Schedule 1 substance, and has been developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics since then.

MAPS Canada was founded as a sister organization to MAPS in 2011, and is a registered Canadian non-profit organization. Based in Vancouver and with hundreds of volunteers from across Canada, MAPS Canada is moving forward to become the leading Canadian source of information, resources and advocacy regarding psychedelic medicine and related clinical research, education, and public policy.

Learn More at https://mapscanada.org/about/

MAPS Canada is entirely funded by public donation and your support really makes a difference. Find out about all the ways you can support MAPS Canada’s mission by visiting our donation link https://mapscanada.org/donate/