#29 - Kevin Franciotti: Can You Use Psychedelics in Recovery?

Kevin Franciotti is a co-founder and the board president of Psychedelics in Recovery (PIR), a fellowship of people in 12-step programs who also have an interest in psychedelics as an aid to their recovery. Kevin has been involved in drug policy advocacy, mental health training and education, and a provider of therapeutic services for 16 years. He’

What we discuss:

• How PIR differs from traditional recovery programs

• The origins of PIR

• Who can join PIR?

• Kevin’s personal connection to PIR

• Where the idea of using psychedelics in conjunction with recovery originated

• What does a PIR meeting look like?Do members of PIR take part in AA/NA?

• Common criticisms of PIR

• Does using psychedelics in recovery impact one’s risk for relapse?

• The story of PIR’s membership growth

• Why has the idea of using psychedelics in recovery become so popular?

• Is PIR harm reduction?

• How PIR fits in with other organizations in the recovery and psychedelics spaces

Why it’s important:

For some, the idea of using psychedelics while recovering from an addiction to another substance or behavior might seem counterintuitive. Kevin Franciotti makes the case for Psychedelics in Recovery (both the fellowship and the concept), using his own journey as a backdrop. Kevin is also realistic about the fellowship: while PIR certainly fits the definition of harm reduction, using psychedelics in recovery does not come without the risk of relapse. The dramatic growth of PIR during and after the Covid-19 pandemic illustrates that although it is beyond time to embrace alternatives to traditional recovery programs, many people still see incredible value in the 12-step framework.

Relevant Links:

• Kevin Franciotti’s website

• Psychedelics in Recovery website

• The early history of Psychedelics in Recovery

• Bill Wilson, LSD and the Role that Psychedelics Played in the History of Alcoholics Anonymous (excerpt)

• Canada’s rich and complicated history of psychedelic research (Leafly)

• Alcoholics Anonymous: The 12 Steps of AA & Success Rates

• Oregon takes massive step toward recriminalizing drug possession (Oregon Public Broadcasting)