Researcher Explored Psychedelics for Addiction Treatment
Nathan Sackett visited Spokane to discuss the medicinal use of psychedelics for treating substance use disorders.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Nathan Sackett of the University of Washington recently lectured in Spokane on how classic psychedelics could support behavioral change therapies. The presentation detailed the clinical use of compounds like psilocybin and LSD to address substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Researchers are investigating whether psychedelics can amplify progress in behavioral therapies for addiction. These substances function by acting on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor to facilitate therapeutic outcomes.
Psychedelics have been studied in a medicinal context for 100 years, with clinical trial sessions requiring six hours of therapist-supervised administration. Trials currently compare these compounds against either a placebo or an active compound.
The players
Nathan Sackett
He directs the Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry Center at the University of Washington.
Gonzaga
This educational institution served as the site for the lecture on psychedelic research.
University of Washington
This is a public research university that hosts the Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry Center.
The details
Patients in these trials participate in therapy sessions both before and after the administration of compounds like psilocybin, LSD, or mescaline. Participants must provide consent and undergo extensive screening to ensure they meet specific eligibility criteria for the supervised sessions.
Timeline
September 2026: Nathan Sackett visited Spokane for a lecture at Gonzaga.
The Big Picture
This lecture extends the research mission of the Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry Center at the University of Washington. The work represents a shift toward re-evaluating the therapeutic potential of classic psychedelic compounds in modern psychiatry.
These clinical developments may eventually expand the range of evidence-based treatment options available for those struggling with substance use disorders. Patients interested in these trials must undergo rigorous screening and pre-administration therapy to be eligible for treatment.
The takeaway
Psychedelic-assisted therapy relies on professional oversight during drug administration to ensure patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. Those exploring these options should consult with medical professionals to understand the current status of clinical trials.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment trends, visit the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Spokane Public Radio.
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