2021 NEI Congress | Colorado Springs, CO & Virtual November 4, 2021

     2021 NEI Congress Pre-Conference Workshop: Recreational Drug Use Workshop

The 2021 NEI Congress kicked off with a pre-conference workshop on recreational drugs—both as illicit agents and as potential therapeutic options. Roger S. McIntyre, MD, FRCPC began the workshop with “An Update on Psychedelics,” explaining both the historical use of these agents as therapeutic entities as well as the scientific rationale for the renewed interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy as a treatment paradigm. At present, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is under investigation as a treatment in anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and depression (Table 1).

Next, Charles L. Scott, MD and Kari L, Franson, PharmD, PhD, BCPP each delivered a presentation on cannabis. Dr. Scott’s presentation, “Cannabis and Violence: From High to Homicidal,” focused on the potential harms of cannabis use, including an increased risk of psychosis (particularly in those with severe mental illness and early age of use) as well as an increased risk of violence in patients with specific risk factors (serious mental illness, younger age, higher potency product, greater frequency of use, victim of intimate partner violence, additional drug use). Dr. Franson delivered a presentation entitled “Just Rub Some Oil on It: The Efficacy of CBD and Hemp Products,” in which she described the therapeutic evidence for pharmaceutical cannabidiol (CBD), with emphasis on the importance of educating patients on the state of the evidence as well as potential drug interactions.

Finally, Andrew Cutler, MD rounded out the workshop with a “Stimulating Conversation About Meth Use,” in which he explored the many neuropsychiatric consequences of methamphetamine abuse as well as the latest data concerning potential treatment options for patients who are addicted to methamphetamines. Although current research is limited to small trials, often without placebo control, there are some data to suggest that stimulant agonists therapies (e.g., methylphenidate) reduce methamphetamine craving and to a lesser extent methamphetamine use, while some atypical antipsychotics (e.g., aripiprazole) may also reduce methamphetamine craving. Non-pharmacological interventions are the first-line treatment for methamphetamine abuse.

Interested in more information on these topics? All of the presentations from the Recreational Drug Use workshop will be available in 2022 as recorded Encore Presentations for NEI Members.

References:

Roger S. McIntyre, MD, FRCPC. An Update on Psychedelics. Presented November 4 at 2021 NEI Congress Pre-conference Workshop, Colorado Springs, CO.

Charles L. Scott, MD. Cannabis and Violence: From High to Homicidal. Presented November 4 at 2021 NEI Congress Pre-conference Workshop, Colorado Springs, CO.

Kari L. Franson, PharmD, PhD. Just Rub Some Oil on It: The Efficacy of CBD and Hemp Products. Presented November 4 at 2021 NEI Congress Pre-conference Workshop, Colorado Springs, CO.

Andrew J. Cutler, MD. Stimulating Conversation About Meth Use. Presented November 4 at 2021 NEI Congress Pre-conference Workshop, Colorado Springs, CO.