The experience of advocating for ibogaine through the political process

The purpose of this study was to discuss the experience of this doctoral student engaging in the political process through the lens of advocating for alternative treatment methods for opioid use disorders (OUDs). A policy brief was created that aimed to have the Illinois General Assembly reschedule the psychedelic substance ibogaine so that it may be researched and potentially utilized as a treatment for OUDs in the state of Illinois. This project attempted to create a coalition with potential allies and held two meetings with Illinois House of Representative Members before ending the action phase of this project. While the intended efforts of this project were not successful, the writer learned to adapt to change including facing the COVID-19 pandemic, stigma of psychedelics, hesitancy of potential allies to get involved, and critique the underdeveloped planning and research in this project, all important factors when engaging in policy work. This project also encountered positive outcomes including positive relationships with professionals and firsthand experience of policy work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The experience of advocating for ibogaine through the political process

The purpose of this study was to discuss the experience of this doctoral student engaging in the political process through the lens of advocating for alternative treatment methods for opioid use disorders (OUDs). A policy brief was created that aimed to have the Illinois General Assembly reschedule the psychedelic substance ibogaine so that it may be researched and potentially utilized as a treatment for OUDs in the state of Illinois. This project attempted to create a coalition with potential allies and held two meetings with Illinois House of Representative Members before ending the action phase of this project. While the intended efforts of this project were not successful, the writer learned to adapt to change including facing the COVID-19 pandemic, stigma of psychedelics, hesitancy of potential allies to get involved, and critique the underdeveloped planning and research in this project, all important factors when engaging in policy work. This project also encountered positive outcomes including positive relationships with professionals and firsthand experience of policy work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)