EP 16 - DR STEPHEN BRIGHT

In today’s podcast, I spoke with Stephen Bright. Stephen is a clinically trained psychologist with a wealth of experience in both the fields of Addictions research and psychedelic research/advocacy. Stephen has been consistently pushing for a more nuanced and comprehensive discussion pertaining to sensible drug use in Australia, In today’s podcast We Discuss; The TGA’s interim decision to not amend the current scheduling of MDMA, The recent appointment of an independent expert panel to undertake a review into the potential therapeutic value of MDMA and psilocybin, The comparison of FDA and TGA scheduling, TGA’s Special Access Scheme PRISM’s position on the recent move to reschedule MDMA and Psilocybin, Stephen’s desire to have these substances available through Australia’s public health system, How Private and Public Sector healthcare service providers might best interface in the psychedelic space, The concept of ‘corporadelics’, and Stephen’s concern about large corporations like Atai Life Sciences and Compass Pathways potentially monopolizing the space, Tulip mania and the potential for a the emergence of a psychedelic stock bubble, The difference between decriminalization and the rescheduling of drugs National Drug Strategy Household Survey Data showing an uptick in the use of psychedelics The need to balance private venture with regulatory oversight and the U bend of regulation Stephen’s experience at the rainbow serpent festival and dancewize Stephen’s experience in training as an MDMA-assisted psychotherapist with MAPS, and watching Michael Mithoefer at work The potential for a general underestimation of the profundity of experience of the MDMA assisted psychotherapy, especially if the client has unprocessed trauma, The differences in integration patterns between psychedelic substances, Internal Family Systems and its relationship to MDMA assisted psychotherapy The difference between evidence-based and evidence informed practice The concept of inner healing intelligence and different models that may support MDMA, MDMA’s capacity to produce visceral feelings of safety The work of Tobias Penno The documentary, ‘Trip of Compassion’ Stephen’s definition of the concept of ‘holding space’ The need for Clinician’s to have a personal experience of MDMA in order to more deeply understand the process The emergence of psychedelic integration circles in Australia Dr Bright’s University course in addiction studies at Edith Cowan University The need for project managers and those with an understanding of drug development pathways to enter the space Stephen’s Ted Talk How to Support the Australian Psychedelic Society, Entheogeneis Australis, and PRISM