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Marae-based rongoā psychedelic-assisted therapy for methamphetamine use disorder

Year:
2025
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$265,000.00
Researchers:
Ms Anna-Leigh Hodge
,
Associate Professor Suresh Muthukumaraswamy
,
Dr Anna Rolleston
,
Dr Anna Forsyth
,
Dr Tehseen Noorani
Host:
The University of Auckland
Health issue:
Mental health (and sleep disorders)
Proposal type:
Māori Health Clinical Training Fellowship
Lay summary
Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a growing contributor to the global burden of disease. Prevalence of MUD in Aotearoa is high by global standards and 2-3 times more common amongst the Māori population. Possible drivers of this health inequality stem from the multifaceted impact of colonialisation, and limited availability of culturally appropriate treatment services. Current treatments for MUD are mostly ineffective with high dropout and relapse rates. Emerging evidence points to psychedelic agents being novel adjuncts in the therapeutic treatment of addiction disorders. Aotearoa has several endemic and native species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms which have potential as rongoā. This project will develop a culturally appropriate marae-based psychedelic-assisted therapy for MUD, delivered by Māori using a Māori rongoā treatment model. The treatment model developed will be initially piloted in a cohort of healthy volunteers and then in a controlled trial with a Māori MUD clinical population.