On November 6, 2024, Lisbon hosted the 2nd Scientific Conference organized by The Clinic of Change, an event that brought together renowned experts to discuss advances in the treatment of mental disorders and addictions. Among the keynote speakers was Prof. Celia Morgan, a researcher at the University of Exeter and director of the Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Addictions department at Awakn Life Sciences.
The Clinic of Change, a pioneer in Portugal in integrating psychotherapy with psychopharmacology, has made it its mission to offer innovative treatments for disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and addictions. In partnership with Awakn Life Sciences, the clinic offers programs based on scientific evidence that combine psychotherapy sessions assisted by psychedelics, providing safe and effective therapeutic approaches.
The impact of psychedelics on addiction treatment
During the conference, Prof. Celia Morgan shared valuable insights into the benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of addictions. Based on recent clinical trials, she highlighted that "ketamine can not only significantly reduce substance use, but also help patients restructure patterns of thought and behavior related to addiction".
The researcher explained that, unlike conventional approaches which often fail to treat the underlying causes of addiction, ketamine acts on the neurological mechanisms responsible for the cognitive rigidity associated with addiction.
"Our study has shown that, combined with psychotherapy, ketamine can provide a unique window of opportunity for patients to re-evaluate their choices and create new, healthier habits."
In addition, he mentioned that "the results indicate that just a few sessions of ketamine combined with psychotherapy can have lasting effects in reducing cravings for substances and preventing relapses", which represents a revolutionary promise for modern psychiatry.
The Clinic of Change's innovation
Prof. Celia Morgan's participation reinforces The Clinic of Change 's commitment to offering innovative, science-based treatments.
The event highlighted the need to continue researching and applying new effective treatments for mental disorders and addictions, promoting a scientific debate that could transform the way we view mental health. As Celia Morgan herself said: "The future promises many exciting discoveries."
